Thứ Năm, 25 tháng 8, 2016

Healthy Buzzwords Decoded


WHAT IS SPIRULINA?In today’s language the buzzword Spirulina is often used – but what is Spirulina? Spirulina is a natural food source of many nutrients to benefit and nourish your body including beta-carotene (a source of Vitamin A), Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and iron for energy! It is a powerhouse of chlorophyll which is the pigment responsible for its deep green colour, which has been scientifically researched as a natural antioxidant. Spirulina is a great addition to your daily diet, and can be added to smoothies, juice or can be used as an ingredient in protein balls. Spirulina is grown in fresh, alkaline water, which helps it to maintain the benefits.
WHAT IS ANTI-INFLAMMATION? 
First, like any infection or injury, our bodies develop inflammation as a defence mechanism and part of the healing process. Twist an ankle and it swells up in part to alert you to the injury, in part to help protect itself against further trauma, and in part to start the healing process. When you include anti-inflammatory foods at each meal, you can help protect your body one meal at a time. Your diet pattern overall should be packed with all of the good stuff by including tomatoes, walnuts, cold water fish, dark chocolate, flax and chia seeds as well as green tea.
WHAT IS GRASS FED? 
Most cows start out living similar lives. The calves are born in the spring, drink milk from their mothers and are then allowed to roam free and eat grass or whatever edible plants they find in their environment. This continues for about 6 to 8 months. After that, the conventionally raised cows are moved to feedlots. There the cows are rapidly fattened up with grass feds usually made with a base of soy or corn compared to grass fed cows which may continue to live on grasslands for the remainder of their lives. Levels of nutrients in beef may vary depending on what the cows eat. It is not only important what we eat, it also matters what the food that we eat, ate.
WHAT IS CLEAN EATING? 
Clean eating goes beyond simply eating clean food. Essentially clean eating means eating as much whole, unprocessed food as possible. Processing food isn’t inherently bad – many foods have to go through some sort of process before they can be eaten, but some processing methods can introduce additional salt, sugar, fat or chemicals designed to make food more appealing in some way. Processing can also remove a lot of the original nutritional content of the food, so ‘clean eating’ is really just about paying attention to the quality of food you’re putting in your body.
WHAT IS ACTIVATING?
Soaking nuts, grains and legumes in warm, salted water and then drying them at low temperatures is a traditional method of preparation still practiced today in many cultures. It is believed that it makes them easier to digest and frees the nutrients. Raw nuts and seeds contain phytic acid which acts as an antioxidant to protect the plant seed, which can bind to some minerals in our food. We can’t digest phtyic acid, so by soaking and activating raw nuts and seeds it can reduce the amount of phytic acid in them.
WHAT IS GLUTEN FREE? 
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. Gluten-free products contain no gluten, but many products sometimes have added sugar and fat to recreate a pleasing taste and texture. Celiac disease is a condition where the body cannot process gluten. Some people describe symptoms to include sensitivity, fatigue, brain fog, and bloating.
Resource: healthylife.net.au

Happiness and how to find it


by Haley Yates, Adv. Dip. of Naturopathy. Healthy Life Kippa Ring.
Why settle for feeling ok? Why even settle for feeling good, when you can feel AWESOME! Follow these tips to boost positivity and beat the winter blues.
Happiness literally starts in the gut Remember when you’re nervous how you get butterflies in your stomach? Well, it works the other way too, as what goes on in your gut can actually affect your mood. In fact, scientists often call the gut our ‘second brain’ and it has been observed that 95% of serotonin is synthesised and stored in the gut (serotonin is one of our happy chemicals and is what, the SSRI’s antidepressants are designed to boost). So it’s important to look after your gut by addressing any digestive problems such as diarrhoea, constipation or bloating. Fermented food and drink such as kombucha, sauerkraut, kefir and pot-set yoghurts can enhance natural gut bacteria, as can supplementing with probiotics.
Avoid the rotten food to avoid the rotten mood! For healthy pathways of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, we need sufficient vitamins and minerals – including magnesium, zinc, B6 and niacin. In particular, research has shown that vitamin D deficiency is linked to depression, which is another reason not to go without a daily multivitamin and mineral.
A study done in 2005 showed more specifically that consuming blueberries and spirulina can improve dopamine levels. You can also incorporate the following mood-foods into your dietary regime for a natural boost of happy from their high levels of tryptophan or tyrosine: cashews, almonds, raw cacao, turkey, eggs and bananas.
A word from the wise Albert Einstein wisely said “If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal. Not to people or things.” If you don’t have a goal, or know where your path is taking you, perhaps it’s time to sit down and figure that out. Get a mentor to assist you write a five or 10-year timeline, and put down what you want in life. Stick this up somewhere in your house as a constant visual reminder of what you’re working towards.
That’s not to say that people aren’t important too. If you need a mood-boost then getting together with friends, watching a funny movie and being around positive people can provide an incredible uplift. Try to surround yourself with the people that you want to be like. If you spend time with positive happy people, their upbeat mood is likely to rub off and inspire you.
What’s your favourite colour? Did you know that the colour green can encourage growth, the colour blue can stimulate communication and the colour yellow can make us feel strong, bright and cheery? So banish the grey and surround yourself with beautiful bright colours this winter! Sometimes even imagining being in a room full of flowers and bright colours can be uplifting and mood boosting.
To keep a smile on your dial: turn your music up; eat well; exercise regularly; get your daily sunshine; surround yourself with bright colours, empowering quotes and positive people, and choose to be happy this winter!

Resource: healthylife.net.au

Great steps to happy feet

Healthy feet are important for feeling good and staying active, but they are often the furthest thing from our mind – until of course, something goes wrong with them.
Home treatments to help common feet issues 
These simple home treatments may be of benefit for some common feet issues:
Athlete’s Foot:
This is caused by a fungus we naturally carry on our bodies. Infection occurs when the fungus takes hold in the skin, rather than staying on the skin surface.
Symptoms
• Skin peeling between toes which can be itchy, red, moist and weepy. 
• If untreated, the skin can become dry, scaly and red. 
Prevention
• Wash and dry feet and toes thoroughly every day.
• Wear airy shoes.
• Wear socks made from natural materials. Change daily. 
• Wash socks in hot water.
• Wear thongs or slippers in public bath and change rooms.
Treatment
Try anti-fungal cream to treat the affected and surrounding area, morning and night.
Ingrown Toenails
When the nail grows and penetrates the skin, this may lead to infection and pain. To avoid ingrown nails cut nails square and avoid curved nail scissors.
Treatment
• To help reduce pain and prevent infection, soak the nail in vinegar for 15 minutes. Gently push the skin from the nail and massage it. Dab with tea tree oil. Elevate foot to dry.
• Dissolve epsom salts in warm water. Soak for 20 minutes, pat dry. Rub with raw onion juice for 10 minutes. Apply a bandage filled with fresh basil and wear a sock. This can help decrease pain and help the nail grow straighter.
• Place cotton or gauze under the ingrown toenail edge after soaking feet to help the nail grow above the skin edge. Change daily.
• If pain persists or the nail does not improve, see your health practitioner.
Bunions (Hallux Valgus)
A bunion is a deformity of the big toe base joint which may cause the foot to rub on shoes. Good footwear can help ease symptoms.
Potential symptoms 
• Inflammation, pain and swelling.
• Arthritis in the big toe.
• Deformity in the second toe.
Treatment
Ideally, get footwear advice from a podiatrist or chiropodist, but these tips may help:
• Wear properly fitting shoes, trainers or slippers.
• Avoid high-heeled, pointed or tight shoes.
• Shoes with laces or straps can adjust to your foot width.
• Padding over the bunion may help, as may compressions.
Feet exercises 
Our feet are trapped in shoes most of the day, so it is understandable they appreciate a work-out of their own now and then. Try these fun exercises which are also good for you.
Big Toe Bends: Connect your big toes with a strong rubber band and try to pull them away from each other. Hold in this position for five seconds and repeat 5 - 10 times.
Toe Stretch: Place the rubber band around all your toes on one foot and spread your toes. Hold in this position for five seconds and repeat 5 - 10 times.
Golf Ball Massage: Roll a golf ball with your feet for about two minutes on each foot. Feels good doesn’t it? It’s also a fantastic boost for your downtrodden arches.
Towel Pick Up: Place a small towel on the floor and try to pick it up using only your toes. Hold for five seconds, repeat five times. Then do the same with the other foot. This exercise is great for those who easily get cramps in the toes.
Lost your Marbles? Place 10 or 20 marbles on the floor; pick them up one at a time with your toes and put them in a bowl. Do the same with the other foot.
Sand Walk: Visit a sandy beach or children’s sandpit, take off your shoes and socks and just walk around. This is not only a pleasant massage for your feet - it helps strengthens your toes and exfoliate your feet.
Tips to help your feet feel great
• Wash your feet regularly and thoroughly with warm water and mild soap. Dry carefully, especially between the toes.
• For dry skin, use a moisturiser.
• Inspect feet regularly and look for sores, blisters, calluses, corns and athlete’s foot.
• Do not cut corns or calluses - treat with recommended products. 
• For an ingrown toenail, do not cut nails yourself - visit a podiatrist.
• Keep your feet warm, but not too hot.
• Wear comfortable shoes that do not pinch or rub.
• Do not wear trainers all day.
• Do not wear the same shoes every day.
• Take off shoes during the day and let your feet breathe.
Tips for selecting shoes
Many common feet problems are caused by shoes that don’t fit well, so select new shoes with care:
• Always ensure both feet are measured, and try on both left and right shoes when buying. Feet have a tendency to change shape slightly as we get older and the right and left feet can be different sizes. Buy shoes to fit the larger foot.
• Shoes should be comfortable immediately. Do not believe a salesperson who claims that they will be more comfortable after wear.
• Feet tend to swell during the day, so try to make your purchase later in the day.
• Shoes should be 10mm longer than the big toe when you stand up. The shoe should fit snugly around your heel.
Resource: healthylife.net.au

Getting your head around crippling migraine

by Jan Wileman, B.Nat
With nearly two million migraine sufferers in Australia, there are more people who suffer from these debilitating headaches than those who live with diabetes, asthma or coronary heart disease.
Statistics indicate there are 15% of women who suffer from migraines - more than double the 7% of men who are likely to experience them.
Be aware of the symptoms Migraines can generate a range of symptoms aside from a headache. In addition to pain, many migraine sufferers also experience severe nausea - sometimes even to the point of vomiting. Other symptoms may include blurry vision, a stuffy nose, ringing in the ears and sensitivity to bright lights, smells and noises.
In the lead up to a migraine, many sufferers may also contend with unusual visual signs known as “auras” which can last anywhere between one minute and half an hour. Some of these “aura” experiences often include flashes of lights, small bright or dark spots, or perhaps a strange smell.
Managing the causes Migraines tend to be caused by vasodilatation, which is the expansion of arteries in the head. If you are prone to migraines, it is a good idea to try to avoid the triggers that could activate vasodilatation.
Common reasons for vasodilatation may include:
  • Nitrates - often found in wine, and processed meats such as salami and hot dogs
  • Tyramines - found in aged cheese, chocolate, nuts and sour cream
  • Birth control pills
  • MSG and flavour enhancers
  • Ovulation during a woman’s cycle
  • Onset of menstruation
  • Dehydration
  • Irregular sleep habits
  • Perfumes
  • Menopause
  • Psychological stress
  • Neck problems
Keeping a diary of your headaches can often provide a helpful record to determine what could be the trigger for your migraines.
Remedies that may help Natural medicines can be an effective option to help prevent migraines. Such herbal remedies and dietary supplements include:
  • Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
  • Feverfew
  • Butterbur
  • Magnesium
  • Melatonin
  • Coenzyme Q10
However, it is worth noting that coenzyme Q10 should be avoided by people who take the anticoagulant Coumadin (warfarin) as there is a risk of reducing the drug’s effectiveness.
Acupuncture may be helpful for alleviating the pain - it can be used as a preventative measure or as a treatment for an acute headache. Lying down in a dark room with a damp cloth on your forehead is also known to be beneficial for migraine sufferers.
Due to migraines being so complex it is important to discuss any episodes with your healthcare professional to determine what treatment options may be effective in breaking the vicious cycle and to help find a headache management plan that works.
Resource: healthylife.net.au

Thứ Tư, 24 tháng 8, 2016

Getting to the root of Ginseng

by Paul Keogh, Naturopath & Medical Herbalist
Ginseng has been used for thousands of years to treat ailments and enhance general health. 
Four powerful types of ginseng; Korean, American, Siberian and Indian - belong to a unique class of medicinal herbs called biological response modulators or adaptogens, which can help with prevention and recovery from fatigue and exhaustion.
Chinese medicine
From a Chinese medicine perspective adaptogens tonify, strengthen or replenish the body’s ‘adaptive energy’ or Qi (pronounced ‘chee’). Optimal Qi depends on the body’s reserves of strong inherited Qi called Jing, which is stored in the kidney organ-meridian system.
Energetically, adaptogens work to generate healthy Qi, supplement Jing and tonify the organ-meridian systems. The kidney organ-meridian system is particularly important as it governs the adrenal cortex and autonomic nervous system.
Adaptogens with kidney tonifying effects are essential to the success of any formula treating deficient Qi or adaptive energy.
Korean Ginseng
Panax ginseng, commonly called Korean ginseng, is one of the most respected energy (Qi) tonics in Chinese medicine with a reputation for promoting longevity. For this reason, it is taken on a regular basis from mid-life onwards. Research shows it also improves athletic performance, alertness and co-ordination.
Traditionally, panax ginseng and Astragalus membranaceus (Astragalus) are combined to treat Qi deficiency by tonifying the kidney, spleen, stomach and lung organ-meridians, enhance energy production and modulate the immune system.
Other herbal adaptogens are also referred to as ‘ginsengs’ because they act in similar ways. However, each herb also has unique properties and they are frequently combined for best effect.
Indian Ginseng
Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng or Ashwagandha) is a highly respected Ayurvedic herb with calming, immune modulating and cognitive enhancing properties.
Energetically, withania benefits the Qi and fortifies kidney-meridian energy or Jing following general debility, overwork, low sexual vitality, nervous exhaustion, muscular weakness, poor memory, anaemia and fatigue.
Siberian Ginseng
Eleutherococcus senticosis (Siberian ginseng) is another highly respected adaptogen. 
Research shows it improves physical performance, increases stamina and enhances recovery. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels, immune function and improves blood flow to the brain.
American Ginseng
Panax quinquefolium (American ginseng) enhances mental performance, relaxes the nervous system and modulates immune function. 
Energetically both these herbs tonify Qi, strengthen Jing and nourish kidney Yin.
Medicinal mushrooms
Two specific medicinal mushrooms work to reinforce the therapeutic actions of these ‘ginseng’ herbs.
Cordyceps sinensis (Chinese caterpillar mushroom) is an adaptogen traditionally used to restore the adrenal cortex and kidney organ-meridian system. It helps combat fatigue and stress, promote endurance, drive, libido, immunity and enhanced physical performance. It tonifies kidney Yang and strengthens protective Qi.
Ganoderma lucidum (reishi mushroom) is an adaptogen with profound immune modulating effects. It also reinforces the Qi tonifying effects of the other herbs.
For long term unexplained fatigue, consult a healthcare practitioner to assess whether there may be a more serious underlying problem.
Lifestyle tips
A healthy lifestyle impacts significantly on how you feel and function each day, so creating a simple plan and sticking to it can help you feel fit and energised. Suggestions include:
  • Consuming a balanced diet that sustains energy levels, including natural or minimally processed foods which tend to be nutrient dense and low GI. 
  • Exercise regularly to help boost energy, alleviate stress and improve sleep quality.
  • Make time for relationships, relaxation and sleep.
 Resource: healthylife.net.au

Freshen up your home with a springtime clean and de-clutter

by Natalie Buffa, Advanced Diploma of Nutritional Medicine
Healthy Life Liverpool
Having a big clean out and getting everything organised is a great way to enter a new season. There's no need to spend a fortune on cleaning products or risk a chemical overload; bicarb, vinegar and a good application of elbow grease are generally all you need.
Put a Spring in your step with these spring cleaning classics
Air doonas, pillows and mattresses leave outside in the sun for 3-4 hours to kill dust mites and mildew.
Beat out rugs hang on a clothesline outside and beat to get rid of sneeze-inducing nasties.
Wash windows your rooms will feel lighter and brighter with less dirt and grime clouding your view. Use 1/2 cup vinegar in warm water and some scrunched up newspaper. For best results choose a cloudy day (so the sunshine doesn't dry your cleaning solution too quickly and cause streaks). Clean frames and screens before glass.
Clean walls use a dry sponge, clean broom or vacuum to get rid of dust build up on wall surfaces. Pay special attention to the corners where spiders' webs like to gather.
Wipe down paintwork make your own mild-all-purpose cleaner using 4 tablespoon bicarb soda in a litre of warm water. Dip a soft cloth or sponge in the solution and use to clean painted doors, window frames and skirting boards. No need to rinse, this will deodorise as you go.
Resource: healthylife.net.au

Enjoy the festive fun without the fallout!

By Jelena Savic, B.Nat
The frivolities of the festive season are all part of the celebratory spirit, but dealing with the aftermath of our overindulgences can often dampen the merriment. Here are some tips to help you through it…
The morning after the night before
Sharing a drink or two with friends over the festive season may be lots of fun. However, the next day can be tedious.
Hangover prevention tips:
• Drink plenty of water before, during and after to keep hydrated and prevent headaches.
• Eat a nutritious meal before heading out for the night, and enjoy a hearty breakfast full of protein and good fats the next day.
• A super green smoothie the morning after a night out can help replenish the body with nutrients and make you feel vital and vibrant again.
• Ginger is a wonderful remedy for soothing a queasy tummy. Have it as a tea, or tablet for convenience.
• Milk thistle is a fantastic herb that can help protect the liver, support healthy liver cells and act as an antioxidant to cleanse the body of toxins.
Be mindful of eating well
As we indulge in the festive season pleasures, it can often result in a few extra kilos under our belt.
Keep the weight off:
• Rather than reaching for chips and dips at events, take along a healthy fruit platter to snack on.
• Incorporate more seasonal fruit and vegetables into your diet. 
• Try to include protein in every meal to help provide that sustained, satisfied feeling throughout the day. Protein helps regulate blood sugar levels, which can reduce sugar cravings.
• Good fats are important to keep every cell of our body healthy and functioning optimally. Good sources such as nuts, seeds, avocado and oily fish can help slow down digestion for a fuller feeling. Coconut oil, as a substitute for other oils or butter, can help with weight loss by boosting the metabolism and encourage the fat burning process.
Can’t stomach it?
An indulgent night can leave you feeling heavy, bloated, queasy in the stomach, and a little sluggish.
Tips to improve digestion:
• Incorporate fresh lemon juice in warm water 30 minutes before meals to help stimulate hydrochloric acid production. This can help release digestive enzymes to aid food digestion, improve bowel actions, and stop bloating and burping.
• Digestive enzymes in capsule form can be taken prior to meals to help breakdown fats, carbohydrates and protein. Taken alongside a probiotic, they can help provide relief from digestive complaints.
• Slippery elm taken after a meal helps reduce irritation and inflammation caused by overindulgence in refined carbohydrates such as pasta, pastries, cakes and biscuits.
Boost your energy
It is vitally important to keep our energy levels up through the busy festive season to ensure we can sustain the pace.
Fuel for the mind and body:
• With a hectic schedule, a quick easy meal can be a life saver. However, if our choices at times are not the most nutritious, a good quality multivitamin can help fill those gaps in our diet and provide the body with essential nutrients to keep us feeling vital.
• Herbs from the ginseng family can be beneficial in times of exhaustion to help provide energy. Korean ginseng can help revitalise the mind and body, and may be combined with Indian ginseng (Withania) to help nourish and build the body from within.
• Magnesium, combined with B complex vitamins and CoQ10, are required by every cell in our body to make energy. Acquiring these essential nutrients purely through diet can be difficult. Luckily, they are available in supplement form to help keep us going, as well as nourish our nervous system to stay calm and focused.
Don’t worry, be happy!
Day-to-day life can be stressful and exhausting. With the festive season just around the corner, juggling work and home life can feel overwhelming at times. We need to make sure we take time out for ourselves and nourish our mind, body and spirit.
Tips to reduce stress:
• Take a light walk in the sun or sit with nature for a few minutes every day to help revitalise the spirit and nourish the soul. 
• Combine deep breathing techniques with some relaxing music.
• Passionflower is a brilliant herb that may help reduce anxiety associated with stress. It can be combined with lemon balm to help lift your mood, or valerian to help with sleep.
Resource: healthylife.net.au