Getting Well Naturally – Naturopathic and Natural Medicine Blog.
Please find below a collect of articles related to Natural Medicine and Naturopathy.
Don’t know whether to see a Naturopath or Nutritionist? Find out why you needn’t choose at all.
Don’t know whether to see a Naturopath or Nutritionist?
Find out why you needn’t choose at all.
Visiting either a Naturopath or a Nutritionist is an excellent choice for improving your health and well being.
Nutritionists are trained in accessing your diet and whether or not you need additional nutrients/foods to improve your diet. They will also assess you for nutritional deficiencies based on your presenting symptoms and medical history.
At GWN all Naturopathic consultations incorporate a nutritional assessment as a standard procedure as Naturopath’s are trained in Nutrition along with many other modalities.
Naturopath’s are trained in a huge array of different modalities, from hands on acute treatments through to biochemical modalities such as herbal medicine and nutrition. However, when a Naturopath goes into practice they specialise in their areas of interest just a doctor would choose whether to become a GP or to specialise in a certain area.
Getting Well Naturally was founded on the use of diet, nutrition and herbal medicine as the basis for all consultations and treatments.
Clients of GWN effectively get two consultations in one. At GWN no Naturopathic consultation would be complete without a thorough examination of your diet and nutritional requirements and deficiencies.
So what other value can a Naturopath provide?
GWN’s Naturopathic Nutrition give’s you detailed information on which foods are best suited to your body. This goes above and beyond the stock standard recommendations about avoiding refined carbohydrates, saturated fats, etc.
When you leave your consultation with GWN you will know exactly which foods are recommended for you and those which are best avoided for optimal health. They may be foods that you previously thought were healthy.
Nutrition from a Naturopathic perspective is all about the individual and where they are at in their lives. Very specific dietary recommendations and supplements are given depending on your overall health condition.
The important thing to remember is that Food is used as Medicine in Naturopathy.
For instance, foods can mimic hormones to bring the body into balance, certain other foods can also put hormones completely out of whack. Dietary recommendations can also be used to enhance your immunity, nourish your nervous system, improve depression and anxiety, improve your skin, reduce bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort, kill bugs, improve your menstruation, boost libido, lose weight, increase energy, improve fertility, etc.
So call our friendly receptionists today and start getting the value added health care you deserve.
Phone 9217 6410 for an appointment today.
OR if after hours please fill in the form below and we’ll call you back to confirm . . . .
How to eradicate Thrush & Candida for good and gain unlimited health.
How to eradicate Thrush & Candida for Good and Gain Unlimited Health
Health is a curious thing.
Most people only ever think about finding an effective long term solution for thrush when they’re utterly fed up.
Or when the thrush is having such an impact on their daily lives that they have no other choice.
It’s amazing how much suffering people will put up.
Sadly, men seem to be the worst for this.
Men don’t pay attention to their health at the best of times but I’ve seen some male clients with systemic candidiasis so bad that it’s a marvel that they can stand up. Let alone work or have any real quality of life.
It’s utterly phenomenal how many symptoms people will endure.
At GWN we take every symptom seriously. These symptoms are warning signals and the body’s way of communicating that something’s not right.
Ignoring symptoms doesn’t make them go away. It simply means that the body will have to amplify the degree of suffering you’re experiencing to get you to take action and fix the underlying problem.
Thursh is often a late stage manifestation of systemic candidiasis. So by the time you have thrush symptoms you are probably also experiencing multiple other symptoms all over the body, which most people think are completely unrelated.
Candida infections flood your body with over 50 toxic substances. Turning your body into a fungal factory and depriving you of nutrients and stealing your energy and wellbeing.
Don’t become a host for this fungal invader when you can take safe and effective measures to get rid of candida for good.
Our unique and simple 4 step program is designed to:
1. Outcompete the Candida
You will be given another type of beneficial yeast which “crowds out” the excess Candida albicans.
2. Kill off the excess Candida albicans
You be given a potent herbal antimicrobial and a nutritional immune enhancing supplement to “kill off” the excess candida and rebuild your immunity.
3. Starve the Candida
With the use of a specialized dietary regime you will learn how to pinpoint foods which “feed” the candida so that you can effectively “starve” the candida of nutrients it needs to grow.
Without this information you could be unwittingly encouraging candida overgrowth through eating everyday foods.
You will be given a specific list of foods which candida loves so you can deprive it of its energy source straight away. This knowledge will also help you to control any outbreaks in the future.
4. Candida lifestyle advice
At GWN we teach our clients everything they need to know so that they’ll need never be at the mercy of candida overgrowth again.
Lifestyle factors can promote the growth of candida. Once you’ve been taught the things that make you a susceptible host for candida, you can take action to reduce your risk of becoming infected again.
So how do you get started in 3 simple steps:
- Call GWN to book your initial 1 hour appointment on Ph: 9217 6410.
- You will be assessed for a candida infection. (In some instances a pathology test may required to confirm the diagnosis.)
- You will be prescribed the 3 supplements described above and given dietary and lifestyle advice.
Candida overgrowth is dangerous if left untreated. Call GWN and get the safe and effective treatment today.
Phone 9217 6410 for an appointment today.
OR if after hours please fill in the form below and we’ll call you back to confirm . . . .
Does overcast weather make you sleepy and sad?
Does overcast weather make you sleepy and sad?
For those who live in Melbourne, the long range weather forecast is a much anticipated part of the day. Millions watch/listen to the weather report with just one question in mind.
Will the sunshine tomorrow?
Instead, they are greeted with a prediction of a wet, cold and miserable weekend ahead. Melbourne’s current spate of wet weather looks set to continue with predictions of overcast conditions and showers throughout much of the cup weekend.’
You can almost hear their collective sigh. No sun, disaster!
The weather has a profound affect on our emotional and physical health. There is a form of depression/anxiety which is directly brought on by overcast weather. It is literally known as SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder and usually strikes in winter but it can occur during unseasonably overcast weather in spring and autumn.
Sufferers experience a range of symptoms such as: carbohydrate craving, increased weight, irritability, low mood, negative thoughts or feelings, restlessness, over sleeping, getting up too early, low libido and no interest in going out.
Other more severe symptoms include: paranoid or suspicious behavior, depression, anxiety, heavy limbs, feelings of hopelessness and despair.
The good news is exposure to very bright light can correct the condition within a matter of days. This is emitted from a specially designed light box. It is estimated that 85% of people improve with this simple yet effective treatment.
Another very powerful way to combat SAD is to ensure you have as much natural light entering your home as possible. Push blinds up and pull curtains back to light up rooms. Paints walls with light colored paint to brighten you home. Gravitate to rooms which receive the most light at different times of the day. Avoid dark areas of your home.
Increasing activity is also an important means of enhancing mood. If it’s not raining spending time outdoors can be very uplifting.
Diet also plays a major role in preventing depression. Eating overly processed, fast and sugary foods and drinks only exacerbate symptoms.
Maintaining social contact is also important. Speaking to family and friends helps to prevent social isolation.
Nutrition and herbal preparations can also improve mood immensely.
Phone 9217 6410 for an appointment today.
OR if after hours please fill in the form below and we’ll call you back to confirm . . . .
Australia in the grip of Naturopathic shortage
Australia in the grip of Naturopathic shortage
Melbourne and all around Australia is in the grip of a shortage of Naturopathic Practitioners. Several immigration sites are offering Visas to skilled practitioners to entice them to practice in Australia.
In many parts of the world Naturopaths are considered to be part of the mainstream health care system.
Canada recently upgraded their licensing arrangements for Naturopaths by allowing them to write prescriptions and perform pathology tests.
Many US states are also coming on board to register Naturopaths are primary health care providers.
In Australia, there is a definite shortage of Naturopaths. Especially, when coupled with a health care system which is unable to provide sufficient doctors, particularly in rural areas.
Naturopaths provide safe and effective, natural health care which compliments the western medical system. Increasing access to Naturopaths, will take a considerable burden off the health care system, saving the country billions of dollars every year.
And most important of all, Naturopaths encourage preventative medicine by teaching people ‘self-care’. Information which has a huge impact of a person’s ability to get themselves well and maintain their health on an ongoing basis.
What makes Naturopathic Weight Loss is so popular and successful?
What makes Naturopathic Weight Loss is so popular and successful?
When you come to GWN for weight loss, be excited, because what you’re about to learn explains why so many people struggle to lose weight and keep it off.
You’ll also learn why factors both within and outside of your control, have contributed to the frustration and heartache that so many people experience when their weight loss attempts are two steps forward and one step backwards.
Many people get a couple of things right but their efforts can be thwarted completely, by the one or two things that they didn’t know to do.
Working with a GWN can give you a significant edge in your weight loss efforts. When you get your biochemistry right and all the other factors sorted, there’s absolutely no reason why you won’t achieve your goal weight.
Society seems to treat being overweight as normal. Many people expect to gain weight as they get older or have children. Men wear a beer belly as if it is an inevitable part of aging.
But if you’re carrying extra weight, you need to approach it as a serious health issue. Weight gain is a sign that there is inflammation in the body, a build up of toxins, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal dysregulation and a myraid of other medical concerns.
If walking up a flight of stairs leaves you puffing and sweating, now is the time to take action. Your heart and circulation are not coping with the small demands you’re placing on them. So what’s liable to happen when you get a bigger stressor in your life? A heart attack, a stroke? What if you’re only in your 30′s or 40′s and you have a young family who depend on you?
Do you’re muscles, back or joints hurt if you’re bend down or you’re legs for too long?
Is you blood pressure dangerously high? Is your cholesterol high, blood glucose levels high?
Gaining weight is not healthy. It’s not normal and it’s no joke.
The consequences are dire.
The college where I did my Naturopathic training sent out a newsletter with words to the effect that there was absolutely no justification for any “Naturopathic student or practitioner to be overweight, given the knowledge that we have in preventing weight gain.”
The question is: Are you ready to learn why GWN Naturopathic Weight Loss is so successful?
There’s no less than 26 factors that a GWN takes into consideration when assessing your weight concerns.
And let me tell you. No other professional will assess all of these things for you. A gym or GP can only assist with a fraction of these issues.
So if you’re not getting the results you need right now, why not experience Naturopathic Weight Loss and find out the keys to successful weight loss.
Be the exception. Call today and show your family & friends how it’s done.
Why being passionate is instrumental to Good Health
Why being Passionate is Instrumental to Good Health
As a Naturopath I’m continually attending health seminars as part of my continuing education. These events run for several hours and consist largely of biochemistry and the latest developments in natural medicine and nutrition. While health seminars are always interesting, they require a lot of concentration and lots of reading from inch thick manuals which I take home for further study.
Last weekend I had the opportunity to attend a conference on investing. I assumed it would be a conservative affair with lots of information to digest.
Can you imagine my surprise, when I was greeted by a room full of happy, shiny people, music and dancing as part of the warm up to the event. In fact, each time I returned from a break I was encouraged to do some aerobics to get the blood pumping and to increase my concentration and memory retention.
It was so different from my usual medical seminars and went a long way towards compensating for the amount of sitting we were required to do.
But perhaps the most impressive part of the 4 day conference was the amount of self-development training I was given.
Your mindset affects every aspect of your life. From how well you do in your career to how healthy you are and everything in between.
Much of our health is a direct response to how we think. The MC for the event was suffering with an inflamed knee but he gave the most awe inspiring speech regardless. In fact, he later told us that the pain only returned after he had finished speaking.
He was so much in the moment, so enjoying what he was doing, that his mind literally blocked the pain signals out.
This says a lot about the power of the mind in response to ill health. Any illness will be prolonged by negative thought patterns. Doing something you love to do is a very powerful panacea to today’s ills.
Doing things that you loathe to do, will ultimately turn up in disease in the body.
Are you making the most of your Health Insurance? Here’s 3 reasons why seeing a Naturopath can save you Time and Money
Are you making the most of your Health Insurance?
Here’s 3 reasons why seeing a Naturopath can save you Time and Money
- Some Health Insurance funds provide rebates on Naturopathic Weight Loss Consultations (using the Shake-It Professional Weight Loss Program) over and above your existing level of extras cover. This can provide a significant saving for you. For a full list of Health Insurance funds currently offering this service please go to the Weight Loss page on this website.
- Finding time for our health isn’t always easy. Competing pressures of work, family and day to day chores, makes scheduling appointments for check-ups a near impossibility. Prioritizing our health when our lives are so chaotic can be a real challenge but those that do, are amply rewarded. At GWN we offer after hours and weekend appointments to help accommodate our busiest clients. Making the most of your health insurance cover can save you time and money by reducing the amount of appointments you need to attend with other health providers who can only offer acute or symptomatic relief. This is because a Naturopath fixes the root cause of your health problem. By teaching you strategies to improve or eliminate your health condition, a Naturopath puts you on the right track and enables you to maintain your health in the future. Over time this knowledge can save you a bundle on consultations and frees up more of your valuable time.
- If you have private health cover and have not seen a Naturopath, you could be missing out on vital information that could make a world of difference to your health and wellbeing. Even if you think that your health ailments are minor, you might be surprised to learn that nutritional deficiencies can often turn up in a range of signs and symptoms. A Naturopath can join the dots and make health connections that can improve your vitality and help you to get more out of life. Naturopathic consultations are a fantastic means of preventative medicine. If you have private health cover you owe it to yourself to experience a Naturopathic check-up. We guarantee you it will be the best time and money you’ve ever spent.
Phone 9217 6410 for an appointment today.
OR if after hours please fill in the form below and we’ll call you back to confirm . . . .
Overcoming Food Addictions
Overcoming Food Addictions
You might be surprised to learn that food can be addictive and act like a drug in your body, but it’s true.
Some of the most troublesome food addictions include:
Sugar cravings (chocolate, cakes, lollies, biscuits, pastries), carbohydrate cravings (bread & pasta).
Refined sugar has very little to recommend it. Once consumed it rapidly goes about increasing your blood glucose and insulin levels and giving you a short lived energy burst. Sadly, when it’s effects wear off you are dumped back down again. In the meanwhile unstable blood glucose levels can create headaches, irritability, tiredness, an inability to concentrate and feelings of being faint or shaky. Even worse high sugar diets can predispose you to Type II Diabetes Mellitus.
You may wonder then why we crave sugar in the first place? Isn’t glucose meant to be good for us? Don’t we need it for our brains and to power our muscles during exercise?
The answer is Yes and No.
All carbohydrates break down to glucose. That includes all grains, fruits and produce made from sugar. Clearly there are good and bad carbohydrates. The difference is the rate they covert to glucose. Refined carbohydrates such as added sugar or cakes, biscutes, white bread, white rice, etc., have a high GI Factor. This means that they are coverted to glucose very rapidly. Therefore, the side-effects mentioned above are far more likely to occur with these types of sugar products.
Complex carbohydrates have a low GI Factor which mean that they covert to glucose much slower. This gives you sustained energy without the sugar highs and lows. This group includes wholegrains, vegetables and fruit.
If you want to exercise effectively, eating complex carbohydrates in conjunction with protein is optimal for energy.
We used to think that the brain needed glucose to function. In recent years we’ve learnt that the brain is more than happy to run on ketones which are made from the breakdown of fats. Energy converted from fat is almost double that of carbohydrates and proteins. Good fats are those of the omega 3 and 6 variety found in fish, nuts, seeds and advocados, olive oil and eggs.
Craving sugary foods for a quick fix is usually a sign of an underlying health condition such as: fatigue, mineral/vitamin deficiencies, yeast infections, low iron levels, hypoglycemia (low blood glucose), Type II Diabetes or emotional problems ie anxiety or depression. Often it presents during the later phase of the menstrual cycle. Craving carbohydrates and sugars to ward of PMS is a common finding among women. This is a form of self-medication to help offset the estrogen deficiency and balance moods, energy and emotions.
Sometimes its just a habit that once formed is difficult to break. Often its a lack of real food in the diet to sustain your appetite between meals.
Whatever the cause it’s worth having it checked out if it becomes more of a persistent craving.
Phone 9217 6410 for an appointment today.
OR if after hours please fill in the form below and we’ll call you back to confirm . . . .
Caroline Springs Naturopathic Health Clinic
Caroline Springs Naturopathic Health Clinic
Getting Well Naturally, Naturopathic, Nutrition & Weight Loss Clinic, is situated opposite Lake Caroline and Caroline Springs Square. Cafes, restaurants and wonderful walking paths are on our doorstep. Clients are encouraged to take in a walk around the lake when they visit the clinic as fresh air, exercise and sunshine are integral components of healthy living.
We're located on the southern side of Beautiful Lake Caroline
Getting Well Naturally’s clients can also soak up views of the lake and it’s surrounds which provides a relaxing ambiance for Naturopathic check-ups.
Ten years ago Caroline Springs was vacant land full of rocks, clay and thistles. Developer Lend Lease, saw an opportunity to create a whole new community and town centre. Indeed, Melbourne’s western suburbs growth corridor, is truly a phenomenon. Caroline Springs is now a thriving metropolis dotted with with lakes, wetlands and cutting edge architecture. It is home to over 16,000 residents with more land to be built on!
Incredibly this very popular new suburb is only 20 km from Melbourne’s CBD and has freeway access directly into the city via the Western Ring Road and West Gate Bridge. Being so close to the CBD enables clients from all over Melbourne, to travel to Getting Well Naturally (GWN – Naturopathic Clinic) through a network of freeways across the city.
Having worked in Kew (10 mintues from the CBD) I regularly saw clients from throughout Melbourne’s eastern and south eastern suburbs. Indeed, many of these clients continue to visit Getting Well Naturally in our new home at 1 Greville Street, Caroline Springs.
As a Naturopath, I couldn’t have hoped for a more idealic setting for my practice. With stress such a part of our daily lives, to work in such a beautiful environment does wonders for my health and wellbeing and that of my clients.
If you live in Melbourne and like what Getting Well Naturally has to offer, don’t be deterred by venturing into new territory. Seeking out services that are convenient to your home is understandable but exploring new horizons is where the magic happens.
We guarantee you’ll will enjoy visiting Getting Well Naturally and Caroline Springs and your health and wellbeing will thank-you for it.
Phone 9217 6410 for an appointment today.
OR if after hours please fill in the form below and we’ll call you back to confirm . . . .
Overweight, tired, depressed? Maybe your thyroid is to blame.
Overweight, tired, depressed?
Maybe your thyroid is to blame.
Among my clients, a thyroid imbalance can often be the culprit responsible for unwanted weight gain, fatigue and depression. It’s not uncommon for my clients to present with blood test results which indicate that their Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is within the normal range.
Therefore, any notion that the thyroid is out of balance is dismissed by their GP’s. However, there is now much evidence to support the notion of subclinical hypothryoidism. In other words, if your TSH blood tests show that you are on the lower end of the range, there’s a good chance that your thyroid may not be functioning as well as it could.
Iodine deficiency is extremely common and without sufficient iodine, the thyroid cannot make T4 or T3, both of which govern metabolism throughout the body.
The thyroid is also significantly affected by stress and infection. Both of which can produce thyroid abnormalities. Women who experience PMS and peri-menopausal symptoms may also be suffering from thyroid imbalances. Interestingly, thyroid function fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle. It’s generally, more sluggish in the premenstrual and menstrual phases and more efficient during the remainder of the cycle.
Balancing the thyroid through targeted supplementation has worked wonders for many of my clients. Not only for weight loss but also for increasing energy and alleviating feelings of depression.
If you feel the cold, experience fatigue, depression, weight gain, dry skin or a horse voice, it’s worth investigating a possible thyroid link, regardless of your TSH results.
Phone 9217 6410 for an appointment today.
OR if after hours please fill in the form below and we’ll call you back to confirm . . . .
Natural Medicine, Why it’s for YOU
Natural Medicine, Why it’s for YOU
Recent research has shown that 75% of those surveyed had tried Natural Medicine in the last 12 months. As a Naturopath this comes as no surprise. My clinical experience has shown that my clients typically fit into one of four categories, especially if you’re over the age of 30.
1. The first group of clients are those who are passionate about healing themselves through natural medicine supplementation, improved nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. They prefer to use natural medicine in preference to pharmaceutical drugs to treat their health conditions.
2. The second group are those clients that know that their diet is not healthy and they are experiencing health concerns such as weight gain, high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, etc. but feel sure they can get on top of it, given the right information. Many of my clients who come for weight loss are already doing an exercise program but are just not getting the results that they desire because they don’t have all the information they need from a dietary or nutritional perspective to put it all together. There are also other things that affect a person’s ability to lose weight such as hormonal changes in the body (i.e. menopause, andropause, high cortisol levels, adrenal and thyroid issues), toxins, stress, inflammation, infection and allergies). Only by addressing all of these health concerns through natural medicine and diet, can real progress be made.
3. Another type of client that I regularly see are those using pharmaceutical drugs and experiencing lots of side-effects such as weight gain, reduced libido, reduced energy, etc. These clients are looking for a natural alternative to address their health concerns safely and without side-effects. A Naturopath is focused on treating the root cause of the illness rather than simply masking the symptoms. For example, instead of using antihistamines for Hay fever and affecting no real change, the Naturopathic approach would be to rebalance their immune system and supplement their diet with nutrients such as Omega 3 fatty acids, magnesium and zinc.
4. Finally, I see an increasing number of clients who have done the rounds of doctors and specialists and have completed untold numbers of tests, only to be given a complete bill of health. All the while these clients know in themselves that they are not well. In this instance the Naturopath is seen as someone who can explain why their body is producing the symptoms that it is and give them a holistic treatment plan incorporating natural medicine.
So did any of these client categories sound familiar to you?
Natural medicine focuses on changes to the diet, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine. The treatment plan may also take into account environmental and emotional aspects of your health. For instance, what toxins have you been exposed to and what are your relationships like? Do you enjoy your work and how stressful is your life? Only by looking at the whole picture can potential explanations be given as to why your health has reached the state that it has. What is your body trying to tell you? What changes need to be made to ensure you have optimal health in the future?
Being the practitioner of last resort is not a glamorous title but it is an important one. When clients come to see me they’re frustrated, overwhelmed and at their wits end. They cannot understand why no-one can tell them what’s wrong with them let alone how to fix it. While these people are among my most challenging clients, they are also incredibly rewarding to work with, as each naturopathic consultation brings new information and improvements to their health.
As a Naturopath I get an unbelievable buzz out of helping people to help themselves. There is nothing better than providing an alternative to people who have tried everything else with little success. So if you fall into one of the above categories, you now know that Natural Medicine can help you to improve your health, not only for now but also well into the future.
Phone 9217 6410 for an appointment today.
OR if after hours please fill in the form below and we’ll call you back to confirm . . . .
How to keep Colds and Flu away and achieve Winter Wellness.
How to keep Colds and Flu away and achieve Winter Wellness.
PROTECT YOURSELF NATURALLY THIS WINTER
12 Hints to Boost Your Winter Immunity
1. Viruses such as colds and flu are most easily transmitted when large numbers of people are gathered in confined spaces. Therefore, avoidance of these situations is recommended as much as possible during winter.
2. If you do find you yourself in this situation, staying well hydrated is the best way to avoid a contracting a virus. In winter the mucous membranes of the nose and throat can dry out as people gather indoors in heated rooms. Without adequate moisture (via water intake) these membranes are unable to effectively capture the virus in mucous to be blown out. Drinking up to 8 glasses of water per day can significantly reduce your chances of contracting a cold or flu.
3. Similarly, keep heaters at temperatures at or below 20 C to avoid drying out the atmosphere. If possible open a window slightly to let in some fresh air and use layered clothing to obtain a comfortable level of warmth.
4. Use a tissue to blow your nose or cough into, then dispose of it in the bin and wash your hands with warm soapy water. It may sound simple but this is a powerful way to avoid reinfecting yourself or infecting others. (Handkerchiefs are very unhygienic. They need to be disinfected and washed between every use.)
5. Getting adequate sleep/rest is essential to retain your immunity throughout winter. If you are rundown and sleep deprived you become a primary candidate for an infection, cold or flu to take hold.
6. Keep stress and sugary foods/drinks to a minimum. Both of these will reduce your immunity and leave you susceptible to colds and flu.
7. Keep alcohol to a minimum also as this depletes your body of essential nutrients needed for your immunity to keep you healthy.
8. Reduce or eliminate cigarettes from your life. Smoking damages lung tissue and the respiratory system in general. Therefore, smoking prolongs recovery from colds and flu and worsens the symptoms and severity of bronchial infections, leaving you open to developing bronchitis, pneumonia and pleurisy.
9. Maintaining an exercise regime throughout winter can be extremely powerful for preventing viral infections such as colds and flu. Just be sure to avoid heated swimming pools or any activity which is overly strenuous.
10. Eat fresh, unprocessed foods and avoid mucous forming foods. Your body’s natural response to infection is to reduce your appetite, as the energy required to digest your food is redirected to the immune response to fight the infection. Therefore, eating heavy/fatty foods slows down the healing process. The lymphatic system which works in conjunction the immune system also transports fatty acids around the body. So eating a meal of fish and chips will make the lymph flow even more sluggish which prolongs the healing effort. (The lymphatic system drains and filters toxins, dead infectious organisms, etc. from the cells. The flow of lymphatic fluid is enhanced with exercise.)
11. At the first sign of an infection, cold or flu make a cup of hot brewed tea/filtered coffee. Both tea and coffee contain antioxidant and antiviral properties. You can also add fresh ginger to tea to increase its healing properties. Peppermint tea and green tea are also good choices.
12. Load up on Vitamin C (otherwise known as Ascorbic Acid). My personal favourite is powdered Vitamin C which can be taken in water every hour. It does wonders for fighting an infection. Many studies have confirmed Vitamin C’s ability to reduce the severity and duration of colds and flu. During an acute infection the body will need many grams of Vitamin C a day to perform this function. Vitamin C is not stored in the body so it must be obtained from the diet or supplements. NB if you experience diarrhoea you have reached bowel tolerance so back off slightly until the bowel returns to normal.
This list contains just a few things you can do achieve Winter Wellness this winter, to boost your immunity and keep colds and flu at bay.
Is Weight Loss a Misnomer?
Is Weight Loss a Misnomer?
Everyone likes to talk about weight loss but what type of weight are people actually losing? In this article, you’ll discover the truth about the term collectively known as weight loss.
In 2003 I attended a seminar entitled “Fat Loss not Weight Loss” as part of my Naturopathic training. Early in the day the lecturer made a comment that I have never forgotten. “You can lose weight just by going to the toilet!” Although Mr. Eddy ND was stating the obvious; it wasn’t until that moment that it dawned on me just how misleading the term weight loss can be. Losing excess fat, fluid, waste or toxins, should be the goal of any healthy weight reduction program. However, for most people, the success of a weight loss program is measured simply by a decrease in kilograms on the scales.
So when “Anita” weighs herself on the scales and she’s 2 kg lighter, she assumes that this is healthy and what she is doing is working. And of course this is understandable given that the generalized notion of weight loss, is all anybody ever talks about! But what if that 2 kg weight loss came at the expense of a reduction in muscle and bone mass? Muscle mass is heavier than fat mass so when it is lost it has a dramatic effect on the scales. The irony is that muscle mass drives metabolism and enables you to burn fat more effectively. So while losing muscle mass might look good on the scales, it actually weakens your overall physique and body structure, decreases your immunity and slows fat loss.
Therefore, as any of my clients can attest, it is essential that you know what type of weight you are actually losing. There have been instances among my male clientele where their overall weight has increased but their physique has improved substantially. This is because their increased weight came from muscle mass which enabled them to burn more fat. It should also be remembered that muscle mass also adds tone to the body and improves its overall appearance. It also produces increased stamina, strength and energy.
Overall physique is a very important consideration when attempting to reduce body weight. Many people have large frames with a high degree of muscle and bone mass. This can weigh quite heavily on the scales but it is very important for the body to have a strong structural framework. The body’s bone mass peaks at 20 years of age but according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 5 to 7 years after menopause bone mass declines by a whopping 20%.
This is because women lose the protective effects of estrogen after menopause which predisposes them to developing Osteoporosis (porous bones) which fracture and break easily. Therefore, maintaining a healthy amount of bone mass is essential to offset this hormonal change.
My advice to anyone undertaking a weight loss program is to make sure that they monitor and manage their progress with regular Body Composition Assessments (BCA) to ensure that muscle and bone mass is not being sacrificed in an effort to weigh less on the scales. Ideally BCA’s need to be done every three weeks as bone and muscle loss can occur with surprising speed.
On a final note I believe it’s unrealistic to compare one person’s weight loss success with another because there are so many variables. Among my clients there are examples of people who weigh lighter simply because they have a smaller frame. There are also examples of people who are heavier yet healthier than others, simply because they have more muscle and less fat mass overall.
Having conducted countless Body Composition Assessments, I can assure readers that there are definitely risks associated with weight loss if it is not monitored and managed correctly. Bathroom scales are next to useless because they do not give you the full picture. Be fully informed about your weight loss program and the type of weight you are losing to avoid serious health issues down the track.
