How to Maintain Brain Health?

Building a Better Brain

Would you like to optimise your memory and cognitive function?  Would you like to support your brain function?  Maintaining a healthy mind and active brain throughout our entire life is something we all want.  Fortunately, it is something that we can all achieve.

Many People’s Greatest Fear is Not Death, But Losing Their Mind

Many of us fear losing our memory and our mental function. Tragically, a large number of us will experience this personally or through a close relative or partner.  The incidence of dementia in the elderly is increasing rapidly due to a combination of increased stress, increased oxidative exposure and nutrient insufficiencies.

Brain Health Throughout Life

The health of the brain determines much of our experience of life, influencing our moods, our intelligence and our overall quality of life.  Maintaining brain health throughout life should therefore be a top priority for all of us. You need to consider the constant changing requirements of your brain in order to achieve a lifetime of healthy mental function.  In order to address all the challenges and changes your brain experiences throughout life, it is important to incorporate good dietary choices, key Natural Medicines and both physical and mental exercise.  This will help to promote a healthy brain and mind.

Six Keys to a Health Brain

1.      Exercise and challenge your brain

2.      Nourish your brain through good nutrition

3.      Enjoy physical activity

4.      Stress management

5.      Sleep well

6.      Take natural supplements

1.      Strain The Brain to Train The Brain

The more you think, the smarter you become.  Your brain is just like your body, the more you exercise it the more powerful it becomes.  You can train your brain by choosing appealing and challenging leisure activities (e.g. crosswords, puzzles, learning a new language, etc.) and by challenging yourself at work.

2.      Eat Your Way to a Better Brain

Take a healthy approach to your diet and lifestyle by eating the following each day:

·        Protein rich foods

·        A minimum of 3 cups of fresh vegetables

·        Two pieces of fruit

·        A handful of nuts and seeds

·        Two tablespoons of good oils

·        Drinking at least 8 glasses of water

·        Enjoy regular exercise and fun

By following a healthy diet and lifestyle program you can provide key nutrients for healthy brain function.

3.      Exercise Builds Better Brain Health

Sustained participation in physical exercise well into old age has been shown to:

·        Enhance learning and memory

·        Reduce age and disease related mental decline

·        Protect against age-related degeneration of crucial areas of the brain associated with higher cognitive function.

Not only does exercise help to reduce the risk factors for cognitive decline, such as cardiovascular risk, inflammation and energy metabolism, it also helps to enhance learning and memory.

4.      When Life Becomes Stressful, What do You Do?

Do you relax, meditate and strive towards a healthy balance between work and leisure?  Or do you keep pushing yourself and not give your body and brain a break?  Many people put work and stress ignore their own health and wellbeing.  Ensuring that you take time out to relax is extremely important for brain health, because excessive stress can impair memory and brain function.

5.      Are You Counting Sheep in Order to Sleep?

The most common resone people have difficulty getting to sleep is that they are unable to shut off the anxieties and worries of the dya and are preparing for tomorrow’s problems.  Sleep is important for repair of both body and mind.  If you are having trouble sleeping, talk to us today about what natural options we can offer you for better sleep.

6.      Nutrients to Nourish The Brain

A multivitamin and mineral supplement is the best way to provide vital nutrients for brain function.  Vitamins and minerals improve energy, support metabolism and nervous system function.

Omega 3 essential fatty acids from fish oil are also extremely important for your brain.  Studies have shown that DHA, one of the major components of fish oil, improves cognitive function.  This component has also been shown to be very effective for protection against age-related mental decline.

Finally, brain tissue is extremely vulnerable to damage by free radicals.  Replenishing the brain with antioxidants is therefore a great idea to help reduce the damaging effects of oxidative stress and aid in the prevention of age-associate memory impairment.  Great antioxidants to help support healthy brain function include resveratrol, vitamin C and vitamin E.

The health of our brain is so important for quality of life, therefore, keeping our brains healthy is something we should all be focused on.  With the six simple steps outlined here, you too can have optimal brain health for life!

Come in today and let us help you support your brain health so that you can maintain positive moods, healthy cognition and quality of life well into old age.

Metagenics Wellness Review

Are You Stressed?

RECOMMENDATIONS AND TREATMENTS FOR MANAGING STRESS

In today’s busy modern world you may often experience stress.  Stress comes in many forms including:

• Work-related pressures
• Personal and family issues
• Financial difficulties
• Divorce, separation and/or marital issues
• Personal injury or illness
• Death of a loved one
• Any significant changes – e.g. moving house, changing jobs, etc.

Though most of us cope with these stressful events, occasionally the pressure and tension can build up to the point where the stress in your life starts to adversely affect your physical and/or emotional health. If left untreated, chronic stress can cause symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability, and even poor memory and reduced concentration.  Stress can also be a contributing factor in illnesses such as peptic ulcers, depression, headaches/migraines, dermatitis, asthma, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

STRATEGIES FOR COPING WITH STRESS

If stress is affecting your health, there are some excellent strategies you can use to help you manage your stress levels and improve your health and vitality.

For example:

Talk to someone: It has been repeatedly demonstrated that talking about your difficulties with someone can help – find a trusted friend, family member, or trained Healthcare Professional (e.g. Counsellor, Psychologist) that you can share your thoughts, feelings and worries with. Talking with someone may help you find a solution to your problem and can often help you feel like you can cope.

Relaxation techniques: Use techniques to help reduce your stress levels. Yoga, tai chi, meditation, massage or even a soothing, relaxing hobby may help you manage your stress levels more effectively.

Exercise: Regular exercise is a very good way to improve your mood and help you cope with stress better. Just 30 minutes per day of exercise increases the production of ‘feel good’ brain chemicals called endorphins, which can help you feel more positive and energetic.

Good diet and healthy lifestyle: A healthy diet will ensure that you have all the essential vitamins and minerals you need to help your body cope with stress, and a healthy lifestyle will help control stress levels. This means doing regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, taking time for relaxation, and minimising smoking, drugs and stimulants (such as caffeine and sugar), as well as avoiding excessive alcohol intake.

Natural Medicines: If stress is affecting your health, using natural supplements to support your stress-coping mechanisms may help to restore your wellbeing and get you back to feeling energetic, healthy and happy.

RESTORING BALANCE IN THE BODY

Chronic, ongoing stress may adversely affect your nervous system, adrenal glands, and your entire body – including your digestive and immune systems. Restoring balance, health and vitality to all your body systems can be achieved through appropriate dietary and lifestyle changes, and through the use of specialised natural supplements containing nutrients such as B vitamins and magnesium, as well as herbs such as bupleurum, peony, zizyphus, ginger, magnolia, and poria.

Different nutritional and herbal combinations are available to suit the individual needs of different people – your Practitioner will be able to choose the supplement best suited to your need.

Can exposure to Electromagnetic Fields affect your Health?

Invisible energy fields emanating from electrical and magnetic devices such as HV electrical cables, transformers & sub-stations, radio and TV transmitters, microwave transmitters, mobile phone transmitting masts, mobile phones, radio telephones, pagers, electrical appliances, office, household, shop and hotel wiring are filling our environment and damaging each of us.
 
The Sensitivity of Humans to Electromagnetic Fields differs individually. In light of this fact, it is not possible to make blanket statements about the tolerance or health hazard from Electro Smog. This becomes apparent from observations of test subjects, who were exposed to electromagnetic fields and / or electrical tensions and currents. The health hazards from electro smog is cause enough for scientists all over the world to assemble factual evidence, but in spite of these, there are as yet no biologically correct international recommended safe levels for exposure.

In Luebeck, Germany Dr. Varga, Professor Kaes, Dr. Volkrodt, Dr. Boikat, Dipl. Bioligist Kuehne, Dr. Brueggemeier, Dr. Braun von Gladiss, Dr. Ing. Bahmeier proved through their research the negative influence of microwaves. Lately Professor von Klitzing has illustrated with tangible results clear and undeniable biological effects of microwave radiation on humans, especially that radiation coming from pulse modulated mobile telephones of the D and also E types.

And what did these Medical Scientists in Germany witness?

The health implications and importance of these test results start to become clear when we realise, that inside the human body very low amounts of electricity flow as part of the natural processes (metabolism, transfer of information) between the cells. Recently scientists have been able to ascertain that during periods of rest, there are electrical currents of 1pico Ampere (1 pA = 0,000 000 000 001A) flowing from cell to cell.

Furthermore from bio-resonance medicine we have learned that negative effects are always experienced, when biological systems are influenced by artificial signals, as these can lead to a continuing disruption of intracellular communication. The discovery of life- essential communication between the cells at the frequency of 400 Cycles was rewarded with a Nobel Prize in 1992.

How can you effectively protect yourself against the harmful effects of Electro Smog during Mobile Telephone use at the Workplace and / or at Home?

All anti-electro smog transformers offered by the WillauTronic company are based on the principle of destructive interference and by applying this process in the production phase, it is possible to neutralise that negative information which adversely affects the human body, bringing about an automatic harmonisation of the electromagnetic fields.

Harmonising of the electromagnetic fields is very important for man, because we, as earthly beings, are fully integrated into the biological coR 3.0.30618; .NET4.0C)
Accept-Ehe electrical system in our environment, which means that every change of the natural environmental electro smog, represents a serious intervention in the communication process of our bodies, bringing about misalignment and false information signals, which eventually allow disease to develop.

WillauTronic's mission is to inform people everywhere of the danger of progressive and irreversible neurological damage accompanying the convenience of existing and emerging electrical technologies. Electro smog, though invisible, is affecting the lives of everyone, hence we are offering you products that drastically reduce the amount of electro smog affecting you and those dear to you.

 

Disease prevention beats affliction any day!

KIDS HEALTH – Back to School

Keeping Your Kids Happy and Healthy at School and Childcare

Breathing a sigh of relief now that school holidays are over and the kids are back at school again?  To ensure your kids are breathing easy as well, protect them from colds and flu’s this school year?

At school and childcare, kids are exposed to a host of bacteria and viruses and are often susceptible to infections.  The start of the school year is the perfect time to boost your child’s immunity, so that they stay strong and healthy throughout the year and don’t fall victim to frequent infections.  A sick child can quickly spread their germs around the family, requiring time off school and having a big impact on family life.  Developing robust immunity is essential to every aspect of childhood development.  In fact, healthy immunity in children sets the stage for good health well into adult life.

A Healthy Digestive System for Strong ImmunityOver 70% of our immune system lives in and around the gastrointestinal tract; therefore having high levels of good bacteria in the digestive system is essential for building a strong immune system in growing children.  The beneficial balance of ‘good bugs’ in the gut is easily upset by many factors, including antibiotics, high sugar diets and stress.  This can lead to an increased risk of colds and flu’s for your kids.  Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that you can give your kids as a supplement to aid in the development and maintenance of healthy digestive and immune function.

Less Sick Days Thanks to Probiotics

Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 are two strains of probiotics that have been scientifically show to help boost immunity.  Taken in combination over six months, these probiotics have been shown to effectively reduce the incidence and duration of upper respiratory tract infections in young children over winter.  In a scientific study of 248 children in childcare aged 3 to 5 years, children who consumed Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 daily had significantly less infections, shorter duration of cold and ‘flu symptoms, and less days absent from childcare.  So if your child suffers from multiple colds and flu’s, these probiotics might be just what they need to help!

Herbs and Nutrients for Boosting Immunity

As well as probiotics, these Natural Medicines may also help boost your child’s immunity.

·         Andrographis – This immune stimulating herb has a long history of use for fighting viral and bacterial infections.  A clinical study has shown Andrographis to powerfully reduce the intensity of cold symptoms, such as tiredness, sleeplessness, sore throat and nasal secretions.

·         Vitamin C – Vitamin C increases the activity of infection-fighting white blood cells.  It also inhibits viral growth and reduces incidence of the common cold.  Vitamin C has been shown to be most effective when given with zinc.

·         Zinc – Zinc is crucial for normal development of white blood cells, the body’s main defence against infection.  Zinc deficiency can dramatically reduce your child’s ability to fight bacteria and viruses, making them more susceptible to picking up infections.

Talk to your Practitioner today about the best remedies to boost our child’s immunity and keep them healthy and happy this school year.

Simple Steps to Strong Immunity

To support their immune system, these diet and lifestyle tips may help:

• Ensure your child eats plenty of vegetables and fruits every day
• Ensure your child eats protein-rich foods in each meal or snack
• Ensure your child drinks plenty of water daily
• Reduce sugary foods and sweets, as these can suppress optimal immune function
• Avoid or severely limit processed foods, additives and artificial flavours
• Ensure your child has adequate sleep and rest
• Encourage regular exercise

Talk to us today!

Your Practitioner can help you keep your kids healthy this year.  Healthy kids are happier and behave better, need less time off school and cause less disruption to the smooth running of family life.

Help you kids thrive and do their best at school and play!

-Metagenics Wellness Review Magazine

LOOKING AFTER YOUR TELOMERES

As we age everything seems to slow down and becomes harder to do.  More creaks, aches and wrinkles appear and what took us 10 minutes now takes 15 minutes and sometimes even longer.  So what happens? 

The average maximum life span of humans currently stands at 85 years though this can vary depending on where you live in the world.  Scientists have discovered that telomeres, which are a sequence of nucleic acids extending from the ends of chromosomes, act to maintain the integrity of these chromosomes.  These telomeres are often described as the plastic ends of shoe laces that stop the fraying. So each time a cell divides the telomeres become shorter leading to cellular damage and cellular death associated with ageing.   

So what can we do to slow this process down?  Firstly reduce stress, as the more stressed you are the shorter your telomeres.  Meditation, yoga or just simply walking 20 minutes per day will do this.  Find something you look forward to doing rather than something you avoid or dread.  Once you start it will slowly become a habit. 

There are of course many other contributing factors and a deep peaceful sleep is one of them along with a healthy diet, 1½ litres of water per day and a body that detoxifies continually.  Also involved are hormones and the endocrine system. 

Let’s start with sleep.  A cool, dark room with no laptops or TV is required.  If you have these ensure they are unplugged before you go to sleep.  Definitely no mobile phones either as these are connected to satellites which in turn send electro magnetic radiation to the hypothalamus.  This gland within the brain is responsible for sleep, emotional activity and hormones via the pituitary gland.  Eating a large steak at night will also prevent a good night’s sleep as the body needs to break this down instead of resting.  You are likely to spend most of the night tossing and turning, particularly between 1 to 3 am.  The best sleep is before midnight and awaking at the same time each morning allows a resetting of your circadian rhythm.  If you have had a late night it is far better to have a power nap later in the day. 

Now to food.  Each meal should include nutrient rich fruits, vegetables, nuts, legumes.  Basically your food needs to be “slow” not “fast”.  I see far more health issues with patients on fast food diets than any thing else.   And as you wash the outside of your body daily remember the inside needs the same treatment.  Ensure it is just water too; no slice of lemon, tea or coffee added.  These are always in addition to your daily requirement of 1½ litres water. 

HGH (Human Growth Hormone), DHEA, melatonin, progesterone, oestrogen and testosterone all slow down as we grow older.  These can be helped with herbal formulations, bio identical hormones (hormones with the exact same structure as the hormones made in your body - hence the name "bio identical") and medication.  If medication is required full bloods tests are undertaken to ensure there are no contraindications and to ascertain the exact dosage your body requires.

The minute a person decides to detoxify they rush off and buy a liver detox pill or potion.  Some of these can have unpleasant side effects.  The first thing to do is look at your diet.  Cut out all the sugars, yeasts, dairy, wheat and alcohol.  Increase vegetables, fruit, and have wholesome casseroles and soups.  Reduce main meals down to entrée size but ensure they still contain all your nutrients. And of course gentle exercise is required to get the lymphatics pumping.  There are a couple of products that may assist with detoxification.  The first is Glutathione, a substance found in every cell of the body, and often called the master antioxidant. It also regulates the actions of Vitamin C and E.  

Glutathione regulates and regenerates immune cells and is the most valuable detoxifying agent in the body.  It is important in DNA synthesis and repair, protein and prostaglandin synthesis, amino acid transport, detoxification of toxins and carcinogens, and protection from oxidation and enzyme activations. Glutathione also has strong antiviral properties.

Next is the all time favourite Vitamin C.  This vitamin is linked to the prevention of degenerative diseases – such as cataracts, certain cancers and cardiovascular diseases. It also promotes healthy cell development, increases calcium absorption and assists with normal tissue growth and repair. Vitamin C assists in the prevention of blood clotting and bruising, and strengthens the walls of capillaries.  It is needed for healthy gums, protection and assistance in clearing up infections and is thought to enhance the immune system, help reduce cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and prevent atherosclerosis.  Taking a good quality omega supplement is another essential as is Vitamin D.  Please be wary of the fillers and heavy metals found in many of the cheaper brands available.

There are many other ways to slow down the ageing process and at the Clinic all these issues can be addressed to assist you with health and wellbeing.  Ageing in years does not necessarily mean a decline in health, energy, or looks.  I have several elderly patients whose active lifestyles and glowing health speak of the power of positive thinking too.  Remember your body is actually your best friend and showering it with brilliant nutrition, plenty of fluid, early nights and messages of love will see it thrive regardless of your age.

Sleep – it’s more than just closing your eyes.

If you did not have a good sleep last night; join the queue.  Probably one third of Adelaide didn’t either.  In fact a lack of sleep is becoming a serious problem for many of us as we work longer hours with increasing pressure in our daily lives.

One of the most important building blocks of vitality resides in the healing power of sleep, an amazing life-sustaining system where natural therapies can make immediate and dramatic changes to your well-being.  Sleep achieves the deepest levels of metabolic calm, allowing your body to re-align everything from basic chemistry through to your thoughts and emotions.  It rejuvenates your body chemistry for renewed energy; recharges your immune system and heals your body and helps process, sort and store everything you’ve learnt, felt or experienced during the day.

There are a multitude of health issues brought about by a lack of good quality sleep.  Whilst we count the “zzz’s” our immune system regenerates as does our hormones and endocrine system.  Sleep also helps us lose weight, as a deep sleep regulates our growth hormone, a potent fat-burner which helps build new, strong, healthy skin and muscle tissue.  So, poor sleep leads to early aging, memory loss, impaired brain function and low libido.

And it gets worse as an estimated one in every 6 fatal accidents is due to sleep deprivation.  Up to 80% of mental health problems can be caused by or severely worsened through lack of sleep and one third of the population snores.  It is estimated more than 50% of us suffer insomnia at some time in our lives.

Imagine having a credit card and every hour of sleep you miss is added to it.  This is called a sleep debt and sadly most people think they can continue functioning okay on minimal sleep and it won’t seriously affect their health.  Ten years down the track the balance on that card is starting to look scary and we haven’t even added the interest yet.

We also need to be aware of the importance of early bed times as the most valuable rest is before midnight.  And it is far better to get up at the same time every morning and take a nap later in the day then snooze until noon on the weekends.  Sleep also stimulates growth, proper brain development, memory and alertness and is therefore very important for children.  It should take 10 to 15 minutes to fall asleep.  If you are asleep as soon as your head hits the pillow or taking 20 minutes or more to fall asleep you have a sleep issue.

There are 4 stages of sleep and each has certain requirements to succeed.

1.     Initiating Sleep requires melatonin, progesterone, prolactin, GABA and Adenosine.

2.      Maintaining Sleep requires GABA, Adenosine, and Melatonin.

3.     Quality of Sleep is assisted by no carbohydrates ie pasta or large protein meals after 5pm 

4.     Waking refreshed in the morning is the responsibility of dopamine and serotonin.

So as you can see it is not just a matter of climbing into bed and closing your eyes. There is a whole army actively working behind the scenes to assist you.  Also required is a comfortable space with no laptops or televisions plugged in.  Definitely no mobile phones either as these are connected to satellites which in turn send electro magnetic radiation to the hypothalamus.  This gland within the brain is responsible for sleep, emotional activity and hormones via the pituitary gland.  I think a great slogan would be, “Guard your Hypothalamus – the keeper of your dreams”.

There are other important issues too.  Never go to sleep angry or upset with someone. Whilst you lie wide awake plotting their demise or thinking of a hundred different ways the situation could have been avoided, I can guarantee they will be enjoying a refreshing sleep.  It is also important to be grateful.  Think of five things that have happened during the day that made you happy.  And if it was “one of those days”, at least be glad of a warm bed to curl up in.  As Winston Churchill said – “Everyone has his day and some days last longer than others”.  So whatever your day, remember the best thing you can do now is have an early night.

Deborah Rugari

Can We Slow Down the Ageing Process?

As a Naturopath, the question most asked is “Do I need to take supplements?”  Not surprising really; as we are regularly bombarded with pills, potions and lotions that will apparently make us overnight into movie stars.  If only this were true!  And of course, the older we get the more conscious we become of wanting to find the magic youth elixir to stop the inevitable. 

Many people believe that eating a well balanced diet provides all the vitamins and minerals necessary for good health.  In ideal circumstances perhaps this would be true.  Your own garden with organic fresh fruit and vegetables is a start but even then the Australian soil is deficient in zinc, magnesium and selenium so these will not be abundant in home grown produce.

A diet overly dependent in refined carbohydrates, such as sugar and white flour creates a greater demand on the B-group vitamins required to process these carbohydrates.  Excess coffee can cause inflammation of the digestive lining, resulting in a drop in secretion of digestive fluids which are vital to break down the particles of food for absorption.  Eating too quickly and not chewing enough will also limit the amount of vitamins and minerals absorbed.  Low fat diets can create a deficiency in vitamins A, D and E; and vegetarian diets unless skilfully planned result in low B12 and Iron.

Most of us eat a breakfast cereal high in wheat, which gives a spurt of energy to start the day; rather than a protein which slowly breaks down and supplies level, longer and more sustained energy.  So if you are one of the many people finding themselves ravenously hungry by 10am; needing a coffee or stimulant to help you wake up in the morning, a protein breakfast is just what you need.  As you would put high quality petrol in a car before you start the engine, it is the same with our bodies; we need a high quality, protein-rich breakfast before we start the day.

Nuts; excluding peanuts for morning and afternoon with a piece of fruit is another good way to top up the tank and provide more nutrients.  A salad with a good portion of protein at lunch will serve you well for the afternoon and a lighter meal at night approximately 4 hours before bed will ensure a deeper more refreshing sleep.  And of course a brisk walk around the block instead of slumping in front of the television will also contribute to a better level of sleep.

Our cattle and poultry are now given hormones and antibiotics which end up being stored in our bodies. Try purchasing organic food to avoid the toxic cocktail of pesticides now being used. And guess what?  An apple tastes just like it did when we were children. Purchasing from a farmers market or contacting an organic home delivery service will alleviate this exposure.

A good multi vitamin and mineral supplement will never go astray; however purchase with caution.  What is the source and which country did it come from? What fillers have been used?  For instance at the Clinic we only used 4 essential fatty acid formulas that are guaranteed pure and heavy metal free.  Our calcium comes from organic cows and our herbal formulas from organic farms.  And rather than using a large band aid we test our patient’s vitamins and minerals levels, give them the exact ones they are deficient in and advise which foods to eat more of.

There are many ways to slow down the ageing process and enjoy health and wellbeing until our use by date.  Eat well, drink 1½ litres of water daily, sleep deeply, exercise regularly, surround yourself with positive people and always be grateful even for the tough stuff.