Dairy - Is It Really Necessary?

Dairy – is it really necessary?
If you look at the latest dietary guidelines from the USDA the recommended servings of milk is two to three cups a day. In fact these guidelines specifically advise individuals to get more fat-free or low-fat milk and dairy related products. But according to a great deal of recent research, milk and dairy isn’t necessarily an essential part of a healthy diet. Above all dairy may pose many health risks and some are starting to question if humans should be consuming milk at all. So how do we make sense of this information and ensure we get the essential nutrients that dairy has to offer?
First it is important to note that the USDAs recommendations are based on the nutrients that milk and dairy have to offer, these being calcium, potassium and vitamin D, which is added to fortified milks. So why do some experts believe cows milk is for calves only?

Here are some reasons that experts believe we should reconsider milk and milk products:

• Many dairy products contain high saturated fat content and when consumed in large amounts can be a risk factor for heart disease by raising blood cholesterol levels, obesity and some types of cancer.
  
• Milk allergies are common. Some individuals either react to one of the proteins in milk or to the milk sugar, lactose, causing lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerant individuals lack the enzyme lactase to effectively digest milk and dairy products. This can cause symptoms like cramping, bloating and diarrhoea ranging from mild to severe.
  
• Those with mild lactose intolerance may be able to consume small amounts of milk without noticeable symptoms. However the nutritional benefits of milk may be lost when a lactase deficient individual cannot adequately digest milk.
  
• Synthetic hormones in milk could be doing you harm. Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also known as rBST, is a synthetic version of Bovine Growth Hormone (a naturally occurring growth hormone) that is injected into a cow to artificially maintain her milk production. The Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organisation have independently stated that dairy products from rBST treated cows are safe for human consumption. However it is well known that rBST increases levels of the growth hormone insulin-like growth factor. Read below...
  
• Hormones in milk have been linked to cancer. One reason the experts have made this link is due to insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1). Milk contains IGF-1 to assist calves to grow quickly. At elevated levels of IGF-1 have been found to stimulate the growth rate cancer cells in humans.
  
• The process of pasteurisation destroys any harmful microorganisms and renders milk safe for everyone to drink. However it should be considered that conventional milk pasteurisation is a process that exposes milk to high temperatures and results in the denaturing of milk proteins, making them less useful in the body, the destruction of enzymes, including phosphatase, an enzyme that helps your body absorb calcium, destruction of vitamins B12, B6, and C. Pasteurisation also destroys all the beneficial bacteria in milk, including lactobacillus acidophilus.

With the dairy industry putting such an emphasis on bone health as part of their clever marketing ploy it makes good sense that people are encouraged to consume dairy products to ensure they are not deficient in any of these essential nutrients. However what is not well known is that bone strength is the result of several different factors – not just how much calcium you consume from dairy sources.

Important lifestyle factors that can limit the amount of bone loss in adulthood include:
● getting regular exercise – especially weight-bearing and muscle strengthening
● getting adequate vitamin D
● consuming enough vitamin K
● avoiding excessive consumption of preformed vitamin A
● limiting caffeine drinks.

For alternative sources of calcium check out this list recommended by Osteoporosis Australia – notice there is no dairy………………………

Almonds Broccoli Cucumber Silver beet Mustard Cabbage
Bok Choy Celery Chickpeas Dried Figs Dried Apricots
Calcium set tofu Unhulled tahini

As Easter is nearly upon us choose dairy free dark chocolate. This is just another reason to indulge in dark chocolate – it’s dairy free as well as being high in antioxidants. Choose brands like Haighs, Lindt 70% or Whittakers Dark Chocolate.

If you still have concerns about calcium intake and bone health after reading this article then it may be worthwhile considering talking to your Naturopathic Doctor as your digestive health and hormone balance also plays an important part in determining your bone health. They can also assist you with a large range of delicious alternatives to use.

Further Reading:
Your Life in Your Hands by Prof. Jane Plant PhD, DBE

"Milk is designed as the perfect food for newborn animals. They are dependent on milk to keep development and cell differentiation going. But milk contains a chemical-- insulin-like growth factor, or IGF-1 -- which girls have naturally as teenagers to help their breasts develop. This chemical-- which is designed to stimulate cell growth- can send the wrong signal to adult breast tissue."

Studies in the US and Canada in 1998 found that pre-menopausal women with the highest IGF-1 concentration in their blood had a far higher risk of developing breast cancer (similar studies have found a link between IGF-1 and prostate cancer).

"Over 70 per cent of the world's population is unable to digest the milk sugar, lactose. Lactose intolerance may be nature's early warning system: perhaps nature is trying to tell us that we're eating the wrong food."

Prof. Jane Plant, PhD, CBE

www.rense.com/general35/av.htm

The Importance of Protein

The Importance of Protein…

 

When you think of structural proteins in your body think of  hair, skin, muscles, brain and internal organs and you will start to realise the importance of protein in the diet.  A normal lean adult body is 12-18% protein.  Proteins are much more complex in structure than carbohydrates and lipids.  Proteins are essential components of the body, required for structure and function; they are involved in virtually all cell functions.  They function as enzymes, hormones and antibodies and are involved in storage and transport.    Understanding the importance of these processes in the body makes you appreciate the necessity of a quality protein intake in the diet.

Thinking a little more you will realise that the continual process of synthesis and breakdown of protein in the body affects your organ protein mass, body size and ultimately the body’s protein and ultimately your amino acid requirements.  Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.  Amino acids are the central units in protein metabolism which are incorporated into various proteins and converted into essential metabolic compounds.  There are 22 amino acids that occur in nature and of these 20 are incorporated into proteins and other molecules within the cells and tissues of plants and animals.  12 are of these amino acids are known as non essential amino acids that can be synthesised by the human body and the remaining 8 are essential amino acids to the human body which must be obtained from foods.

 

The 8 essential amino acids you should be aware of that must be obtained from food are:

Isoleucine                    Leucine

Lysine                         Methionine

Phenylalanine              Threonine

Tryptophan                  Valine

 

Understanding the quality of protein sources in your diet is important.  The nutritional quality of food proteins varies and depends on the essential amino acid composition.  Complete protein foods are those which contain essential amino acid composition at levels which facilitate tissue growth and repair.  The good news is it is not necessary to consume all of the essential amino acids at every meal.  Your body stores amino acids and uses them when they are needed.  Combining protein from a variety of sources is a great way to ensure that you get all the essential protein requirements your body needs.  

 

A few points to consider…
Many recent studies demonstrate that an increased protein content in the diet alongside regular exercise may improve weight loss and reduce the loss of lean body mass in overweight and obese individuals.    Foods high in protein take longer to break down, moving slowly through the digestive system.  This gives a high satiety, creating a full sensation for longer periods.  Protein has a gradual effect on blood sugar, eliminating quick spikes in these levels.   But before simply increasing protein in your diet there are a few do’s and don't to consider…

 

Do consider your nutritional needs.  Protein is not all you need.  Be sure that you maintain a well balanced diet without cutting out food groups.  Simply eating protein could do you harm.  Those who can’t process excess protein effectively may be at higher risk of kidney and liver disorders.  So if you have any problems with these organs always consult your health care professional first.

Do get enough fibre from fruits and vegetables.  Many high protein diets cut out valuable fibre leaving dieters constipated.  Fibre is essential to keep things in working order, be sure to get your daily fibre requirements and drink plenty of water.

Don’t cut out valuable carbohydrates.  Remember that your body still needs carbohydrates for energy to exercise and burn fat.  Cutting carbohydrates altogether  may rob you of vital energy and leave you feeling exhausted.

 

Do include regular exercise.  Don’t be fooled by fad diets that promise you can shed the kilos without working up a sweat.  Exercise can be life-changing and combined with a balanced diet and a quality protein intake you will be amazed at the results!

 

Do understand your protein needs.  The need for protein in your diet is very individual depending on a number of different factors.  Your activity level and your weight as well your goals of increasing your daily exercise should provide clues.  These are all important in figuring out your individual protein requirements.

 

Don’t overdo it.  Excess protein consumption doesn’t mean that it all ends up as muscle.  Over eating protein can still be stored in the body as fat. 

Do talk to us about your goals!  Before considering a high-protein diet you should consult your health care professional.  Some high protein diets restrict a variety of foods that provide essential nutrients and may pose other potential health risks.  Eating foods containing protein along with carbohydrates provides fuel and muscle growth potential for weight reduction.   If you wish to achieve a healthy long-term weight loss, talk to us about your goals.

If you’re stuck on where to start with quality protein, consider these valuable sources:

 

Grass-fed Beef, Organic Chicken, Wild Salmon, Tuna, Tempeh, Quinoa, Nuts, Seeds, Goats Cheese and the Egg-cellent Egg!

Parasites and the Inside Story on Detox

It is one of the buzzwords of the health conscious. Detox.

What does it mean to detox? Why is it necessary? How can it be best achieved?

Toxins

Strictly speaking, toxins are poisonous substances produced by living organisms. Think of snakes, spiders and jellyfish. The venom of these animals all fall into the category of toxins.

Detoxing is the process of eliminating these toxins.

Been bitten by a snake lately? Probably not. So detox is not for you, right?

Wrong! Toxins are more common than you think.

Toxin-producing organisms include all sorts of parasitic life forms that live in humans. These include bacteria, worms, protozoa and flukes.

Parasites are the most successful life form on the planet. Medical experts in one Western country find parasites in over 90% of the people they examine.

Parasites inhabit humans by stealth – often you don’t even know they are present. They feed on the nutrients in your food, and load you down with their secretions and excretions (toxins).

How do you know if you are hosting unhealthy organisms? You may not feel them, but you will sure notice their toxins! Abdominal pain, bad breath, bowel irritation, fluid retention, food sensitivities, joint/muscle pain, allergies, bloating, fatigue, unexplained fevers, chronic vaginal yeast or itching, gas and stomach cramps are common signs of the toxins caused by various parasites.

Wasted effort

Unfortunately most popular “Detox Programs” are not really detox treatments at all. While they may help eliminate chemicals and heavy metals in your system (helpful but these substances are not technically toxins), few actually target parasites and the waste products they leave behind.

If a Detox Treatment is honest it will also eliminate the source of the toxins in your system – parasites.

Parasites have lifecycles that must be broken. Treatments lasting less than 30 days do not eliminate parasites properly, leaving behind eggs and larvae to live on and fight another day.

Well-entrenched or long-term infestations often need ongoing treatment lasting 60 or even 90 days to ensure a thorough cleanse. If you notice any of the symptoms of toxins mentioned above then you are a prime candidate for a 60 or 90 day extended parasite cleanse.

Finally no thorough detox treatment is complete without a system recharge. Replenishing your digestive tract with beneficial bacteria boosts your immunity and helps close the door on future infestations.

And so Detox is not a quick fix. It appropriately encompasses a whole wellness program, weeding out toxins and the parasites that put them there, seeding your system with beneficial bacteria, and feeding the process with minerals to make it all work. Detox is more than a buzzword. It is a way of maintaining vibrant health.

Article from Genesis

Healthy Skin - From the Inside Out

Healthy Skin - From the Inside Out!

Your skin is an external reflection, visible to everyone, of how your body is functioning internally. Due to the intimate relationship between the skin and the rest of the body, treating skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, acne and rosacea is complex and it can be difficult to achieve lasting results, especially if you don’t seek professional help. Furthermore some of these conditions can be painful, itchy, irritating and greatly effect self-confidence. It can be a frustrating and challenging road to finding effective and sustainable ways to improve the health and appearance of your skin. A healthcare practitioner can help you find solutions to regain, vibrant, healthy skin with treatments that work from the inside out.

The ‘Ins’ and ‘Outs’ of Poor Skin

Healthy radiant skin relies on your body and internal organs being healthy and functioning well. There are many functions of the body that, if not working properly, can contribute to poor skin. These may include:

·         Ineffective clearance of toxins or metabolic wastes via the digestive tract and/or the liver

·         Poor immune function and inflammation

·         Poorly managed stress

·         Sluggish circulation and lymphatic flow

·         Poor dietary habits

·         Poor personal hygiene

·         Hormonal fluctuations e.g. skin conditions that worsen pre-menstrually

·         Nutritional deficiencies

Lifestyle is part of the Prescription

There are changes that you can make to your daily diet and lifestyle to help you on your way to better skin:

·         You are what you eat: So eat well!! A healthy, well-balanced diet is essential for skin health and your Practitioner can provide you with dietary advice specific to your skin condition.

·         Be active: Exercise helps increase blood flow to the skin, and encourages the removal of toxins through sweat; so make daily exercise a part of your skin health program today!

·         Aim for better stress management: Stress can increase inflammation and affect digestive and immune function, all of which are contributing factors to poor skin health.

 ·         Brush your skin: Dry skin brushing prior to your morning shower is a simple technique to stimulate lymphatic circulation, helping your body clear the build-up of toxins that can aggravate skin conditions.

·         Wash your skin with pH-controlled gels: Humans are covered in a diverse wardrobe of skin microbes, many of which promote skin health. Washing too frequently or using alkalising soaps can remove some of these beneficial microbes from the surface of your skin, allowing pathogenic organisms to cause infection.

·         Support yourself with supplements: Your Practitioner can recommend a personalised supplement regimen to boost your health status and address the causes of your skin ailment.

·         Treat yourself topically: Whilst a healthy body is essential for achieving the healthiest skin possible, topical treatments prescribed by your Practitioner may help to provide rapid, symptomatic relief.

Healing Goodness from Nature’s Dispensary
 

There are specific nutrients involved in keeping skin healthy, and addressing nutritional deficiencies is a good place to start in any skin condition.
Essential fatty acids - found in fish oil play a critical role in promoting healthy skin. They help to regulate healthy cellular function, and maintain elasticity and suppleness of the skin. Essential fatty acids also help to reduce inflammation. Taking a potent, high quality fish oil can improve your skin health by improving hydration, elasticity and reducing inflammation. As a result, skin has an improved texture and tone leaving it looking and feeling noticeably healthier.
Zinc - is an important mineral for skin health. Zinc repairs damaged tissues and helps heal wounds. As a result, if you don’t have enough zinc, then your ability to repair damaged skin becomes impaired. Zinc deficiency can also result in your immune system having poor control over the maintenance of your skin.

Treatment for Skin Conditions
 

While a comprehensive internal treatment strategy to address skin problems from the inside out is underway, topical creams and lotions can be used to give speedy and effective symptomatic relief.
Aloe Vera – is rich in vitamins, minerals and natural compounds that support wound healing through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.
Calendula – has a long history of traditional use for treating acne, psoriasis, eczema, skin infections and healing wounds. This skin herb has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions and also enhances wound healing.
Essential Oils – can be very effective in treating many troubling skin conditions by soothing the skin, as well as having potent anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, and promoting skin healing. Chamomile, sandalwood, lavender, juniper berry and manuka leaf essential oils have key roles in treating skin conditions.

Your Practitioner can help to improve your skin from the inside out, by recommending diet and lifestyle changes and nutritional support that is specific to you and your skin condition. Arrange an appointment today!

The Wellness Review

Do you Suffer from Sinus Congestion and Hay fever?

Many people suffer in silence from allergies but allergies are not something that you simply have to put up with! It is possible to manage your allergies naturally. Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, sinus congestion, itchy eyes, persistent cough, wheezing, asthma, headaches, and skin disorders such as atopic eczema. If you have allergies it is important not to only be looking at symptom relief.  The underlying causes such as immune imbalances or nutritional deficiencies need to be addressed in order to give you long term relief. Common causes of allergies include reacting to certain foods, food additives and pesticides, grasses and pollens, dust mites, and chemicals in personal products and cleaning products.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms ask us for help to managing your allergies today!

Herbs and Nutrients to Manage Allergies Naturally

Allergies are caused by an immune imbalance. Pharmaceutical medications may help to reduce symptoms but do not address the underlying cause. The following herbs and nutrients may help to manage symptoms of allergies naturally, as well as rebalancing your immune function:

·         Perilla (Perilla frutescens) – a herb that is beneficial in the treatment of hayfever, asthma and sinusitis. It can be used to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions, particularly of the upper respiratory tract.

·         Atractylodes (Atractylodes Iancea) – a herb that is beneficial for hayfever, nasal congestion, asthma, and dermatitis. It also helps the immune system to fight colds and respiratory infections.

·         Albizia (Albizia lebbeck) – the anti-allergy properties of the herb albizia are  helpful for hayfever, asthma, sinus congestion and allergic skin conditions such as eczema and hives. It also helps to strengthen the lungs and clear mucous.

·         Quercetin – is a bioflavanoid vitamin that is used for acute or chronic allergies such as hayfever, hives, and asthma. It is also a great antioxidant.

·         Probiotics – there are many different strains of probiotics; the most useful for allergies is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). This strain has been found to be effective in reducing allergies including eczema.

·         Zinc – plays a very important role in regulating the immune system and is a commonly found deficiency in the Australian population. Optimal zinc levels are crucial in any allergy treatment.

·         Vitamin C – boosts the immune system, improves lung function and decreases allergy symptoms.

·         Essential Oils – antimicrobial essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and thyme used in a sinus spray can provide relief from nasal and sinus congestion that occurs with hay fever and upper respiratory tract infections.

Make an appointment with us today and find out what treatment is best for you.

What Are You Putting Into Your Body?

Common food allergies include gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, and corn. If you find your allergies flare up after eating any of these foods or your diet contains a lot of these foods, you may benefit from a Vega Food Sensitivities Test.

These days a lot of our food contains high levels of preservatives, additives, and pesticides which can all impact on our immune systems and contribute to allergies and poor health. Think about introducing organic foods to your diet. Organic foods not only taste better, they contain higher levels of nutrients which can be beneficial to overall health.

How to Manage your Allergy Symptoms

To help balance your immune system and help you manage your allergy symptoms, follow these simple recommendations:

·         Consider a natural supplement for allergy relief

·         Avoid any foods that are known allergens

·         Increase fruit and vegetable intake, particularly those bright in colours, such as berries and capsicum, as they contain high levels of antioxidants and nutrients

·         Avoid processed and refined foods that may contain preservatives and additives

·         Drink at lease 2 litres of filtered water per day to keep the body hydrated.

Metagenics Wellness Review

During the Month of October:

Hayfever and Allergy Vega Test - 15 minute test - $30

Most of us enjoy Spring but for many people it means itching and red eyes, runny nose, sneezing, lethargy, irritability, headaches and even breathing problems.  We have many different natural options available to assist you and are able to test which is best for you and the dosage you require.  Make an appointment today and experience Spring without allergies.

Electro Dermal-Acupuncture Testing and in particular the VEGATEST method is a quick, painless and effective way of determining a whole range of health related issues on an energetic level.  Bookings are essential.

Are you one of the Weight Loss statistics?

Are you one of the statistics?

It’s alarming to think that almost 60% of the adult population in Australia are overweight or obese.  Are you one of the statistics?  One way to tell is to do a quick calculation using the body mass index or BMI.  This measurement is commonly used by health professionals to classify an adult’s weight as healthy, moderately overweight, or obese.  To calculate, divide your weight in kilograms by the square of your height in metres.  A BMI of 25 or higher indicates overweight; a BMI of 30 or higher defines obesity and a BMI of 40 or higher is extreme obesity.  Generally the higher your BMI, the greater your risk of developing other obesity-related problems.

Benefits of weight loss

There are countless benefits of weight loss including improved health, energy and well-being and reducing the risk of developing chronic disease.  Forget the cosmetic issue of weight loss.  If you feel you need to lose weight because you look in the mirror and you don't like what you see, or you no longer fit into your favourite cocktail dress, then you may be missing the point.  What you should be focused on is the increased risk of developing many serious diseases that are associated with obesity.  These obesity-related health risks should be motivation enough to start shedding that extra weight.  They include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Insulin resistance
• High Blood Pressure
• High Blood Fat levels (including cholesterol)
• Heart Disease
• Stroke
• Colon Cancer

The Downfall of Diets versus the Success of Lifestyle Changes

The media continually bombards us with the newest fad diet that promises to drop dress sizes fast.  These temporary diets may have a purpose but going on a 'diet' to lose weight is no longer considered a practical 'long term' solution.  A good weight loss program for the individual trying to shed those extra kilos should not let the health of their digestive system, eliminative system, their pancreas, liver, adrenals or their thyroid get lost in the idea of dieting. 

Sadly the downfall of crash diets can often be the emphasis on cutting down foods consumed.  In the meantime the health of the systems of the body that work to keep the body at its ideal function and weight are not supported due to vital nutrients being removed.  These drastic diets can often starve the organs and glands and overwhelm them with toxins.  When a person is overweight; in addition to stored fat there are often stored toxins that the body has been hanging on to.  As you lose weight the body begins to burn up its fat stores and additional toxins get dumped in the bloodstream.  The last thing you want is a diet that starves the liver of the nutrients it needs to detoxify these additional chemicals or upsets the activity of enzymes and enzyme production which assist in their removal.  This may result in poor digestion or toxic overload while you are trying to lose weight.  When looking at these factors it puts it into perspective why there is often a rebound effect after some diets.  If our body systems are not functioning efficiently it is not surprising that the weight goes back on. 

The outcome of continuous dieting which starves our body of vital nutrients is sure to have an impact on future health.  A successful long term approach to losing weight will bring lasting results.  This should incorporate diet and lifestyle changes that focus on factors such as the health of the glandular system, the liver, the digestive system and nutrient absorption.  Success in achieving your desired weight may often benefit from a change in beliefs.  A positive mindset about what the foods you consume mean you will go a long way.   Remember true success is to never having to say you are dieting. 

Tips to Achieving Your Ideal Weight:

• Limit Refined Carbohydrates Foods

These include white flour including breads, pasta, and refined cereals and refined sugar including cakes, biscuits and pastries.  These refined carbohydrates are high glycemic load (GI) foods, meaning they lack valuable fibre, break down more quickly and are consequently more rapidly absorbed.  These high GI foods trigger a sudden rise in blood glucose levels.  When your body doesn't use this additional load for body fuel then the excess is converted to glycogen and can accumulate throughout the body, resulting in excess weight gain.  Further more some of these foods are nutrient empty, containing little essential vitamins and minerals.  High GI foods can over stimulate and exhaust the pancreas leading to type II (adult onset) diabetes.  These foods promote obesity! 

• Protein Rich Meals and Portion sizes

Eat small regular meals containing protein rich foods.  Choose from lean meat, fish, eggs, legumes and nuts.  Consuming plenty of these foods will help keep your blood sugar levels stable.  If you know you are partial to that second helping, be mindful to reduce your portion sizes.  Make a fist and consider that this is the size of your empty stomach.   

• Include healthy oils in your diet

The focus has been on eliminating fats from the diet for so long but it must be taken into account that there are different types of fat, so this topic deserves a lot of attention.  Some fats are crucial in our diets and are needed to help us absorb essential nutrients like vitamins A, D, E and K.  Eliminate damaging trans-fats from your diet.  These are found in fried fast foods.  Over consumption of these foods increase your risk of developing heart disease by increasing the bad cholesterol.  Polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 found in vegetable oils and omega-6 found in flaxseeds and oily fish are healthy fats.  Monounsaturated fats, omega-9, are found in olives, nuts and avocados and should also be included in moderation.  Saturated fats, called so because they are saturated with hydrogen atoms, are found in animal foods such as meat and dairy.  These should be eaten in moderation or not at all if you have a dairy or lactose intolerance.

• Three cups of Fresh Vegetable Daily

Vegetables provide vitamins and minerals and add bulk to the diet.  The greener the leaf, the richer it is in nutrients.  Dark leafy greens are usually a great source of calcium, iron, magnesium, vitamin C and B vitamins.  Vegetables are a great source of indigestible fibre which exercises the intestinal muscles so they retain their health and tone and help this area of the digestive tract move smoothly and maintain regular elimination.

• Digestion begins in the Mouth

How many times have you heard of the importance of chewing your food 100 times before swallowing?  This shouldn't be taken light heartedly.  If you want to make sure your body absorbs the maximum nutrients from the nutritious foods in your new eating plan, you can achieve this by chewing your food properly.  Saliva secreted in the mouth contains digestive enzymes that begin the breakdown of carbohydrates while chewing breaks down food into smaller pieces, increasing the surface area of the food.

• Drink a minimum of 8 glasses of pure water daily

Human beings can live just 5 days without water.  Bodily functions such as respiration, digestion, metabolism, elimination and temperature regulation can only be accomplished in the presence of water.  Water is essential to dissolve and transport nutrients.  To keep your body functioning optimally throughout your weight loss plan remember that water is vital.

• Early Morning Exercise

Never exercise on an empty stomach.  Have a palm size serve of protein so you burn fat cells and not muscle.  No excuses!  Daily physical activity is vital for weight maintenance.  Try to rise with the sun and get outside and start moving.  This will help create a serge in serotonin levels which will help you feel good, help regulate appetite and empower you to feel capable of your goals.  You don't need to start by running a marathon.  Begin slowly with 15 minutes of interval training a day.  Get your heart rate up and rest in between sets.  As you improve your cardiovascular health you can increase your workout.  The good news is regular exercise will also stabilise cholesterol levels.  If the morning is not a good time for you then always take a brisk walk after dinner.  This will deepen you sleep level which in turn will assist with weight loss.

• Love Your Liver

Your Liver helps to excrete fatty substances including the stored fat you want to lose.  A healthy liver will function properly.  To keep your liver healthy, cut down on alcohol, caffeine and sugar.  Be mindful to reduce chemicals and toxins in your life.  Eat organic foods and use chemical free skincare products.

• Breathe and Reduce Stress

We all know stress is harmful to our health but where does it fit into weight loss?  Stress causes you to produce excess cortisol, the stress hormone.  Cortisol sends the message to every cell in your body that there is no more food left.  This can slow down your metabolism, making you hang onto fat stores and prompt you to eat more.  For women cortisol can also shut down adrenal progesterone production.  Progesterone is a powerful anti-anxiety agent, antidepressant, diuretic and an essential hormone for burning excessive fat stores for energy.  

The key to successful weight loss is to start an eating plan that you can sustain for the long term.  Don't journey alone.  If your weight loss could do with a boost The House of Healing can offer you guidance to promote optimal long term health.  We offer the advice you need to key nutritional supplementation.  Improve your energy, health and wellbeing. 

Make and appointment with our qualified staff today by phoning +61 8 8431 9288

Available from The House of Healing • 62 Dulwich Avenue • Dulwich 5065

 Phone + 61 8 8431 9288 • www.thehouseofhealing

Detox

Are you toxic?

We've heard this term hundreds of times before but how can we be sure we need to detoxify?  Cleansing and detoxifying is not just a new fad, for centuries various cultures have valued therapies that promote this concept.  It has been recognised by traditional health care systems around the world that toxins accumulate in the body and cause various health problems.

So what are some of the tell tale signs that your body is in toxic overload?  If you experience any of the following symptoms it might be time to start thinking detox:

     *  Constantly tired or lethargic

     *  Regular stomach upsets including bloating, diarrhoea or constipation

     *  Recurrent headaches

     *  Muscle aches and pains

     *  Poor concentration and short term memory

     *  Allergies or sensitivities

     *  Depression, anxiety and/or mood swings

Our Toxic Planet

Today we have become increasingly exposed to toxic compounds in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat and even the soil our food grows in.  Our morning shower sprays us with chlorine and fluoride, we wash our hair with shampoo that contains sodium laurel sulfate, add conditioner that contains more perfumes, preservatives and parabens, use an antiperspirant deodorant that contains aluminium and then we reach for our cosmetic bag that is no doubt full of products containing petroleum products and formaldehydes.  This list goes on.  Before we know it we've exposed ourselves to hundreds of chemicals and we haven't even got to the breakfast table.  So where are all these toxins supposed to go?

The good news is that your body has an extremely sophisticated detoxification system that works around the clock to filter out and eliminate any materials that can cause harm. Our liver, lungs, kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, and skin all work to eliminate toxins.  The bad news is that your body can become overburdened with accumulated toxins.  If you have been experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above then it may be time to consider a detox program that's right for you.

The Benefits of Detoxification

A detox diet allows us to focus on self healing.  The goal of detoxification is to promote an overall feeling of health and wellness.  When toxins accumulate they can slow our metabolism, rob us of energy and effect our immunity, all of which can lead to disease.  By restoring balance we can expect to feel greater energy levels, improve our digestive health, boost concentration, feel more in control of our moods and boost the immune system and prevent premature aging and disease.  With all these benefits its well worth considering a healthy step-by step program to put that spring back in your step!

Safe and Effective Detoxification

Detoxification can be very unpleasant for some people and potentially harmful if it is not done correctly.  Detoxification shouldn't be a fad diet that starves your body of vital nutrients, or becomes complicated and difficult to follow.  The most effective detoxification program is one that is gradual and gentle and aids your bodys natural process of elimination.  The two golden rules to remember when detoxifying are simple:

     *  Decrease Toxic Exposure

This means internally and externally.  Be aware of what harmful products you use in and around the home.  Focus on consuming only fresh organic produce and cut down on processed foods including trans fats and refined sugars.  Avoid all additives and preservatives. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, soft drinks, dairy and fruit juices.

     *  Increase Toxin Removal

This means supporting and encouraging the liver, lungs, kidneys and gastrointestinal tract by choosing natural methods.  Think about adequate water, breathing, movement and lifestyle. 

Here are some other key points to consider when choosing an effective detoxification program:

     *  Choose a Whole Body Cleansing Program, this not only focuses on the liver and colon but cleanses the blood and lymph as well.

     *  Keep Things Regular without harsh laxatives that can leave you feeling more drained and fatigued.

     *  Supplement with Beneficial Bacteria, probiotics can help create a healthier environment in the gastrointestinal tract while prebiotics promote the growth of beneficial bacteria

     *  Use Healing Herbs and Nutrients that are specifically formulated to clean all of the organs of the body

     *  Rest, Relaxation and Adequate Sleep, are vital for your body to heal.

     *  A Body Cleanse Starts in the Mind, prepare yourself mentally for a greater chance of success.

Talk to us today about which personalised detoxification plan is right for you.  Herbs and nutrients can play a vital role in supporting your body's key elimination systems.  We can recommend dietary tips that can reduce your toxic overload and increase your vitality.