Copper Toxicity

Copper Toxicity

Anyone who suffers from headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, skin rashes, learning disorders or premenstrual syndrome may have a copper imbalance. 

Copper is an essential trace element that is vital to the proper functioning of organs and metabolic processes.  The human body has complex homeostatic mechanisms which attempt to ensure a constant supply of available copper while eliminating excess copper when it occurs.  Too much or too little ingestion of copper can result in a corresponding condition of excess or deficiency in the body which has its own unique set of adverse health effects.  Copper Toxicity is a condition in which copper is retained and begins to build up in the body tissues.  This condition is quite common however it is also commonly undiagnosed.  Excess copper in the tissues can develop for a variety of reasons, some of us being more prone to a buildup then others. 

High Risk Factors...

♦   A slower metabolism may contribute to copper accumulation
♦   Women are found to be more prone to copper accumulation due to the female hormone    
    oestrogen increasing copper retention
♦   Excessive stress or insufficient adrenal function.  This can occur due to stress

   dramatically decreasing zinc levels, coppers primary antagonist.  Weak adrenals may   

   result in a lack of hormones that stimulate the liver to remove excess copper.
♦   Exposure to environmental copper on a regular basis
♦   The use of oestrogen medications such as the birth control pill
♦   Vegetarian Diet or a Zinc Deficient diet
♦   Dental Fillings

The circulation and proper utilisation of copper in the body requires good functioning of the liver, gallbladder and adrenal glands.  Impaired function of these organs result in excess copper as your body fails to utilise or excrete copper.  Initially copper can build up in the liver, further impairing its ability to excrete copper.  An increase in copper retention affects the nervous system, female and male reproductive systems and connective tissues including the joints, hair, skin and nails. 

What you should know about the Metabolism of Copper...

♦   Absorption
Thirty to sixty percent of ingested copper is absorbed through the intestinal tract. Certain minerals and heavy toxic metals compete for absorption with copper, including calcium, iron, zinc, cadmium and mercury.  Zinc is a primary copper antagonist.  Vitamin C inhibits copper absorption. Sulphur and molybdenum may also inhibit absorption of copper.  Absorption of copper is increased by the presence of amino acids. A diet lacking protein intake or impaired protein digestion can inhibits copper absorption. Absorption is also hindered by an alkaline intestinal pH.

♦   Retention
Normally copper is bound in the blood to ceruloplasmin (95 percent) and albumin.  Organs with a high copper content include the liver, brain, heart and kidneys. However, excess copper can accumulate in almost every organ of the body.

♦   Excretion
Copper is excreted mainly through the bile. Vitamin C binds or chelates copper and facilitates its removal. Zinc and manganese displace copper from the liver. Molybdenum and sulphur bind to copper and greatly facilitate its excretion.

If you suffer with headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, skin rashes, learning disorders or premenstrual syndrome you may have a copper imbalance. 

If you think you have these symptoms you may want to consider the following sources of copper...

♦   Copper Water Pipes
Copper plumbing was hailed as a great advance in the past. Especially in areas with acidic water, copper can be leached from pipes, leaving in severe cases, a greenish ring on bathroom fixtures.  Water that sits in copper pipes can contain dangerously high levels of copper.

♦   Copper Cookware
Copper tea kettles and other copper cookware can be a source of copper toxicity if used frequently over a period of time.

♦   Birth Control Pills and Copper Intrauterine Devices

One of the side effects of the pill is that it tends to raise copper levels in the body. This is due to the close association between the hormone oestrogen and copper levels.  Several hundred milligrams of copper a year can easily be absorbed from a copper IUD. Many women still use the Copper - 7 intrauterine birth control device, although it has been taken off the market. The only intra-uterine birth control device sold today, however, is a copper-T. These devices can be very harmful for women prone to high copper levels.

♦   Vegetarian Diets and Other High Copper Diets

Many diets today are high in copper. In particular, vegetarian proteins such as soybeans, nuts, seeds, tofu, avocados and grains are high in copper content. Soybean protein is coming into wider usage but can contribute to copper overload.  Other high-copper foods are organ meats, shellfish, wheat germ and bran, yeast, corn oil, margarine and mushrooms. 

♦   Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Copper is frequently added to vitamin supplements, particularly prenatal vitamins. Although this is a benefit for some people, it can be harmful for many other women.

♦   Fungicides for Swimming Pools and Foods

Copper sulphate is added to swimming pools and may be sprayed on fruits and vegetables to retard growth of algae and fungus.

♦   Dental Appliances
Copper is still used today in some dental alloys, in fillings, crowns and other appliances.

If you suffer any of these symptoms or are at high risk of copper toxicity or even believe you may be exposed to other heavy metals then it is worthwhile considering a full Heavy Metal Vega Test.  New to Clinic are a number of Focus Vega Tests.  A 15 minute Focus Vega Test followed by a 15 minute Naturopathic consultation to discuss your results could be of benefit to you.

Eir - Liver Formula - normally $35.90 - $28.70

Eir Liver Formula is an excellent detoxifier and rejuvenator for the liver.  It contains a powerful combination of herbs that cleanse the liver of accumulated toxins whilst it nourishes and strengthen the liver tissues thereby supporting the healthy production of bile to promote digestion and a healthy metabolism.

A FREE 5 minute Vega Test is available to ensure this product is 100% tolerated, effective and the exact dose your body requires.

Stress and Immunity…Is Your Health being affected by Stress?

People tend to ignore the fact that their stress is taking a toll on their health.  In our fast paced world stress can be unrelenting.  If you often feel anxious, worried, depressed, irritable, exhausted, overloaded or forgetful it is likely that stress may be a major factor.   It can come from both physical and emotional sources and severe, chronic stress can affect every part of your body.  If you suffer from stiff or sore muscles or joints; tension headaches; high blood pressure; frequent colds or the flu then it is possible that your body may be overburdened by stress.  Other symptoms can include an irritable bowel, ulcers, an increase or loss of appetite, or the worsening of an existing illness or condition.  These are worrying signs.

The fight or Flight Response to Stress…

The ‘fight or flight response’ to stress is our body’s primitive, automatic, inborn response which prepares the body to ‘fight’ or ‘flee’ from a perceived attack, harm or threat to our survival.  In the event of this stress response being triggered, chemical messengers called adrenalin, cortisol and noradrenaline are produced by the adrenal glands and brain.  These messengers are released into our bloodstream and cause our body to undergo a series of dramatic changes.  Blood is increased to the essential organs such as the heart, lungs, brain and muscles.  Our respiratory rate increases, blood is shunted away from our digestive tract and directed into our muscles; cortisol increases the amount of glucose released into the blood to provide energy; our pupils dilate and our awareness intensifies as our perception of pain diminishes.  These series of events are all part of our body’s normal response as it prepares physically and psychologically for fight or flight.

In the past stress was short-lived.  Once the stressful situation had subsided, these chemical messengers returned to normal.  Biologically our stress response has not changed over time.  What has changed is the long-term stress we experienced on a day-to-day basis.  Long work hours, financial worries, family issues – all these non-stop stresses that do not allow the stress response to switch off. 

Cortisol and the Immune System…

Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone synthesized from cholesterol by enzymes of the cytochrome P450 family in the middle of the adrenal cortex and is the primary hormone responsible for the stress response.  In small quantities cortisol is helpful as an anti-inflammatory, speeds tissue repair and controls excess immune cell production.

One of its main functions is to restore homeostasis following exposure to stress.  Continued raised cortisol levels from chronic stress can slow the production of ‘good’ prostaglandins.  Prostaglandins are derived from essential fatty acids like fish oils and support immune function, dilate blood vessels, and are anti-inflammatory.  Slowed production of these prostaglandins can allow for inflammation and immune suppression. 

Cortisol also reduces the rate at which lymphocytes (immune cells) multiply and can accelerate their programmed cell death.  When cortisol is elevated during periods of stress there is almost a complete disappearance of lymphocytes from the blood.  The part of the immune system most sensitive to increased cortisol levels are the Helper T-cells.  Cortisol downregulates the Interleukin-2 receptor on these cells, resulting in the inability of Interleukin-2 to upregulate the Th2 (Humeral) immune response.  This results in a decrease in a Th1 (cellular) immune dominance.  Again leading to a decrease in B-cell antibody production. 
This is why cortisol is used to treat conditions resulting in over activity of the B-cell mediated antibody response such as inflammatory and rheumatoid diseases and allergies.  During periods of increased stress the immune cells are continually exposed to molecules that are telling them to ‘stop fighting’ which render the body more susceptible to disease.  On the other hand, as the adrenals become fatigued, the production of cortisol and other hormone levels will fall.  Lower levels of cortisol lead to its moderating effect on immune reactions being lost.  Lymphoytes circulate in excess and create more inflammation. High levels of stress even over relatively short periods result in prolonged healing times, reduction in ability to cope with vaccinations, and a heightened vulnerability to viral and bacterial infections. 

Chronic stress and long-term health effects…

Chronic stress can impact body systems such as the nervous system, leading to exhaustion, headaches and insomnia.  Your digestive system can be weakened by stress, making you more susceptible to bowel problems.  Stress also has been shown to upset the balance of our intestinal micro flora which influences digestion, stomach problems, diarrhea, and gas. When the intestinal flora is compromised, you are more susceptible to throat infections, colds, and flu.

Candida flourishes when the intestinal micro flora is imbalanced. Researchers have proved stress leads to more problems with yeast infections, depression, infectious disease and cancer.  Patients with severe stress have more chronic conditions such as asthma, allergies, and heart problems.  Elevated cortisol over the long term consistently produces glucose, leading to increased blood sugar levels.  Theoretically this mechanism can increase the risk of type 2 diabetes.  Long-term chronic exposure to stress produces further symptoms including impaired cognition, decreased thyroid function, and accumulation of abdominal fat, which can have implications for cardiovascular health. 

Fertility problems are another one for the list as stress can lead to erectile dysfunction or the disruption of normal ovulation and menstrual cycles.   

Assessing Stress Levels…

Cortisol has complex functions.  Understanding the science behind it as well as its behaviors and relationship to other biochemical components; the immune system and other health outcomes is crucial to success in treating patients.  The experience of stress affects cellular immunity, therefore treating disease with immunological components means also treating and managing psychological stress. 

Trained Practitioners At The House of Healing can offer a non-invasive VEGA Test for Adrenal function and the associated hormones.  Our Practitioners will always recommend strategies for effective stress management.  Some strategies include getting more sleep, massage, walking, yoga, acupuncture, relaxation exercises and addressing psychological and emotional issues to minimize stress.  Implementation of targeted dietary and lifestyle approaches is an extremely powerful way to reduce stress and reduce the risk for illness and chronic disease.  Talk to our Practitioners today.

New Focus Vega Tests - 30 minutes - $65

New to Clinic are a number of Focus Vega Tests.  A 15 minute Focus Vega Test followed by a 15 minute Naturopathic consultation to discuss your results. 

Stress:  

 - Anxiety Test              
 - Mood Test     
-  Energy             
-  Insomnia

Bioidentical Hormones - How Can They Work For Me?

Our hormones are responsible for many critical functions in the body.  They are the body’s messaging system – they communicate between the brain and the individual glandular cells, as well as between cells, and they feed back information to the brain.  As we “mature” our glands do not function quite as well as when we were young.

We do not function optimally when our hormone levels decline or are not balanced. 

It’s all about balance.  Reproductive hormones are a good example.  In women who are in their twenties, ovulation occurs with most menstrual cycles.  This results in progesterone production in the second half of the cycle.  Oestrogen and progesterone are well balanced.  An orchestra in harmony.  When a women is in her thirties and forties ovulation decreases progressively to once every 4-6 cycles and by fifty she is lucky to ovulate once to twice a year.  This means that between the ages of 35 and 50 progesterone production falls by 75% while oestrogen production falls by 35%. 

The result is called oestrogen dominance.  It has a host of symptoms most of which most women – and their families - do not particularly like.  They include premenstrual depressive symptoms, anxiety, fatigue, and irritability, insomnia, breast tenderness and swelling, shorter cycles with heavier bleeding, weight gain, fluid retention, and premenstrual headaches.  These symptoms  will be worse in cycles where women do not ovulate so some months they will feel awful, where in a cycle where they ovulate they will feel normal.  When women are between 40 – 50 and ovulation decreases in frequency the symptoms become increasingly frequent and increasingly severe.  Add in stress and increased cortisol production, and decline in thyroid function and it starts getting messy - you have an orchestra where the instruments are not synchronised at all.  When this coincides with having teenage girls who are oestrogen dominant (because they are not yet ovulating every cycle) the family dynamics can become rather interesting.

In addition we all have to activate our hormones.  One of the processes involved in this activation process is called methylation.  The gene that governs this process is one of the most important genes in the body and we all vary enormously in our ability to methylate/activate our hormones.  People who do not methylate well will experience symptoms of oestrogen dominance earlier and their symptoms will tend to be more severe.

If that isn’t enough to deal with, when women come to the end of their reproductive years, oestrogen levels start to drop as hormone production from the ovaries declines.  This is menopause and is accompanied by a long list of symptoms including psychological and physical symptoms - hot flushes, sweating, palpitations, weight gain and loss of libido. 

Hormonal symptoms are not simply something you have to live with.  These symptoms may be normal but they are certainly not optimal. You can choose to correct the imbalance.  There are many ways you can take control of these hormones.  What’s more, by restoring hormones to balanced, youthful levels and optimally activating them, the rate of ageing is slowed and many people report dramatic improvements in health and wellbeing. 

Keep in mind we are the only animals that live longer than our ability to reproduce.  We do so because of advances in everything from sanitation to modern technology in medicine.  We can choose to use advances in hormone replacement to feel better, be healthier and enjoy the extra years that we now live.

What are ‘bio identical’ hormones?

Bio identical hormones are manufactured in the lab to have the same molecular structure as the hormones made by your own body.  Often referred to as ‘natural’, these aren’t actually found in their pure form in nature,  but are made or synthesised from plant chemical extracts ( wild yam and soybeans) which are rich in precursor molecules.  These are easily converted by biochemists into other molecules that are identical in all aspects to our own naturally occurring hormones and will act in the body just like the hormones we produce.  The treatment with bio identical hormones is often referred to as Bio identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT), Bio identical Hormone Therapy or Natural Hormone Therapy. 

BHRT differs from pharmaceutical HRT in that pharmaceutical preparations contain ethinyl oestrodiol which, while relieving many symptoms of menopause, does not act like oestrodiol which is a component of BHRT.  The major difference however is with progesterone. Pharmaceutical preparations contain progestogen which is VERY different to bio-identical progesterone.  Progestogens are associated with many of the symptoms of menopause (weight gain, psychological symptoms, fluid retention) and are thought to be responsible for the increased risk of breast cancer found with the Women’s Health Initiative study.  Bio identical preparations are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer and there is increasing evidence to suggest they may in fact be protective against breast cancer.

Conditions responsive to BHRT…
Hormones can influence every aspect of your body . BHRT can successfully treat hormone imbalance associated with pre-menstrual symptoms, perimenopause, women’s menopause and andropause (male menopause), as well as issues associated with nutritional medicine and anti-aging of the body.  Other conditions associated with hormonal imbalance include thyroid conditions, infertility, postnatal depression and weight loss. 

The major aims of this therapy administered by a successful practitioner are summed up below…

• This treatment aims to relieve or reverse the ageing process in a way that it mimics the body’s system as it was created.  In light of this, only hormones that are the same structure as those produced by the human endocrine system should be used.
• Hormones used in treatment should be introduced to the bloodstream in a way that imitates the glands as closely as possible, without having to go through the digestive system and creating stress on the liver.
• Treatment should involve a broad spectrum of hormones at lower doses based on hormone test results and careful monitoring.  This approach will offer a more complete, physiological balance.
• The dose must be individualised to the patients needs after a complete medical assessment while considering specific needs and goals of treatment. 
             

In practise a Practitioner will use an individualised, patient-centred approach.  This should involve testing hormone levels and prescribing the precise dose based on test results.  Compounded bio identical hormones can be matched to a patients needs which include oestrogen (oestrogen, oestradiol and oestriol), progesterone, testosterone, pregnenolone, thyroid extract, melatonin and DHEA.  These formulations are prepared at a registered compounding pharmacy and each patient is monitored carefully through regular follow-ups to ensure symptom relief is achieved at the lowest possible dose.  Bio identical hormones are available as troches (lozenge), transdermal creams, capsules, pessaries and suppositories.  These plant derived bio identical hormones have fewer side effects than synthetic or semi-synthetic HRT drugs commonly prescribed. 

Bio identical hormones can work wonders, but they aren’t necessarily the first place to turn when there is a hormonal imbalance.  In the great majority of cases patients can find relief through a natural approach that combines dietary and lifestyle change, endocrine support and nutritional supplements prescribed personally for the individual.  We recommend that you work with an understanding doctor who believes in the value of hormonal testing to use as a tool in the treatment of your health.  It is not recommended that hormones be used long term unless essential for symptom relief and quality of life, and only then alongside a complete risk assessment.

Dr Jackie Forrester MBChB, BSc (Med)Hons, MRCP, FRACGP  is joining our team at The House of Healing.  Jackie’s main area of interest is women’s health, bio-identical hormone replacement therapy, and methylation. 

Dr. Jackie believes in using Naturopathy and traditional Western Medicine in combination to optimise your health and wellbeing.  Appointments are now available.  Please note Dr. Jackie does not Bulk Bill.

Shaping Your Immune System

Your immune system has an amazing ability to protect your body from external invaders, being the primary defence against potentially harmful substances and microorganisms in our environment.  The immune system is  complex not just a single entity.  It is a network of cells, tissues and organs all working together to defend the body against tiny invaders.  Its multifaceted network of cells war against foreign invaders, mediate the healing of damaged tissue and prevent overgrowth of abnormal cells.  This system has many facets, so to function well this complex system requires balance and harmony.  

Prepare for Winter - Strengthen the Immune System

Often patients come to us in the chronic phase of an illness, when they have already had time off work, had antibiotics and their cold and flu symptoms have weakened them.  It is far better to see us in the acute stage when symptoms first start.  We can provide rapid relief for their condition, however boosting immunity and addressing nutritional deficiencies before the cold and flu season kicks in can dramatically reduce the risk of illness, recurring infections and ensure your health is not comprised in the long term. 

Deficiencies of key nutrients can leave us wide open to foreign invaders.  Nutrients such as Zinc and Vitamin C are vital for proper immune function.  Zinc is one of the most essential minerals of the immune system.  A deficiency in Zinc can cause a dramatic impairment of the body’s ability to properly respond to microbial infections.  Zinc is the key to proper T cell and natural killer cell function as well as lymphocyte activity.  It also functions in a number of enzyme systems.  A deficiency of Zinc can cause a dramatic reduction in the number of white blood cells an integral part of the immune system.  This collection of blood cells work together to destroy invading bacteria and viruses.  An imbalance in this system may cause a shift from T-helper 1 to T-helper 2 which may adversely influence the course of infections.  Zinc is a common deficiency in the diet due to the low amounts of this mineral in our Australia soil.   Zinc can be found in shellfish, oysters, meats, whole grains, nuts and seeds particularly pumpkin and squash seeds being good sources. 

Vitamin C is found in high concentration in immune cells.  Research shows that supplementation of Vitamin C is found to improve components of the human immune system including natural killer cell activities and lymphocyte reproduction.  It has also been found to increase levels of interferon, the antibody that coats the cells surfaces, preventing entry of microorganisms.  It may act as an antioxidant against oxidative stress in the inflammatory response.  Fruits and vegetable are good sources of Vitamin C, provided they a grown in optimal conditions.  These include oranges, papaya, kiwi fruit, garlic, dark leafy greens including kale and mustard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts and red and green peppers. 

Boost your own immune system…

An effective strategy includes addressing any factors that might compromise the immune system and ensuring you are maintaining an optimal level of health by following simple dietary and lifestyle tips for building a healthy immune system.  To prepare yourself for a winter free of illness you might want to look at the following:

·        Eat a healthy balanced diet – a deficient nutritional status can ultimately impair immune function and poor dietary choices can contribute to inflammation

·        Reduce the intake of mucous forming foods – this includes dairy and processed foods

·        Heal the gut – the largest immune organ of our body is the gastrointestinal tract.  Not only does it digest food and absorb nutrients but it contains a vast number of immune cells and plays a key role in the balance of Th1 and Th2 activity. 

·        Practise stress management – chronic stress can affect the body’s susceptibility to infections and increase the risk of allergic diseases

·        Get enough sleep – loss of sleep can increase inflammatory mediators.  Many studies suggest sleep deprivation can decrease our T-cell production while inflammatory cytokines increase.

·        Exercise regularly

·        Stay hydrated

What to Do for a Cold or Flu…

What some people might not realise is that the common cold and flu are caused by viruses; the most common being a rhinovirus.  Many people opt for antibiotics to manage the flu not realising that antibiotics target only bacteria and are not able to kill the viruses responsible for their symptoms.  Thankfully there are other options.  These herbs have been shown to improve immune function and reduce symptoms of the cold and flu:

·        Andrographis paniculata is an Ayurvedic herb which has a long history of use for bacterial and viral infections.  Clinical studies have shown it can reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms of colds and flu.  It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

·        Picrorrhiza kurroa has been used traditionally in Indian and Chinese Medicine to help maintain a normal healthy immune system and also shows anti-inflammatory properties.

·        Sambucus nigra – Elderberry has traditionally been used for its anti-catarrhal and fever-reducing actions.  It is used specifically for catarrhal inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, sinusitis and recurrent or acute coughs.  

There are other herbs that have a significant influence on immunity such as Echinacea, Siberian Ginseng, Garlic, Shitake Mushroom and Propolis.  Garlic is a favourite choice, being antimicrobial against a variety of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.  Raw Garlic is best as the key ingredients won’t survive cooking.  It is therefore advisable to add minced garlic to meals just before serving. 

The quality of supplements will vary significantly between suppliers.  A bargain cheap brand at the supermarket is not an option as it may have come from a polluted source and be full of fillers.  Buyer beware.

And if you wake in the morning feeling dreadful we are happy to give you a 5 minute Vega and provide a formula to have you back on your feet in no time at all.

Cost –  Existing patients of  Deborah or Jess – no charge

New patient $30

Appointments essential.

Product of the Month

Eagle - Cat's Claw-Echine - normally $34.80 - $27.80
Containing immune stimulating herbs - Golden Seal, Cat's Claw, Astragalus, Echinacea and Olive; this product will boost your immune system ready for the onslaught of winter.

The Scary Truth About Energy Drinks

The Scary Truth About Energy Drinks

The Energy Drink industry is massive and their marketing campaigns are just as big with Red Bull spending 40% of their entire revenue on marketing.  These companies convince you that these drinks are a convenient way of increasing energy and stamina, sharpening alertness, improving concentration and even maximising workouts and training to push you to extreme physical levels.  But what they don’t market is all the side effects of these beverages that could be causing you harm.  These companies main focus is on the vitamins and herbal extracts in these beverages that claim to make you feel invincible.  And as the FDA does not currently regulate these drinks, because they are categorised as dietary supplements the manufacturer does not need to prove their claims of efficacy or safety.  Recently in Australia, the Australian Beverages Council has rejected calls for a ‘tighter regulation’ on energy drinks arguing that Australia is already one of the most heavily regulated markets in the world.  This response by the Australian Beverages Council is part of an ongoing response by the industry concerns regarding energy drinks.  Currently the Australian regulations restrict the amount of caffeine in Australian energy drinks to 80mg for a standard 250mL can.  Even if we do have tighter regulations in Australia, the energy drinks available on our shelves still have potential side effects.  Here are a few of those potentially harmful side effects that you should consider…

The two main ingredients in energy drinks that could be doing you harm are caffeine and sugar.  Research suggests that 500 millilitres of caffeinated energy drinks a day lead to a faster heartbeat and a 10-point jump in systolic blood pressure which is a major risk if you are living with heart disease.  Too much caffeine in your diet can lead to rapid heart rate, interfere with sleep, increase urination as a diuretic, lead to nausea, headaches and anxiety.  It can also lead to muscle tremors from overstimulation of the nervous system and a decrease in bone mass density as it interferes with the body’s ability to absorb calcium.  If irregular, rapid heartbeat and increased blood pressure from excess caffeine isn’t enough to get you concerned then consider this:- 

In 2007, a 28-year-old Australian man suffered a cardiac arrest after consuming eight cans of an energy drink over 7 hours.  The drink contained 80 mg of caffeine each and the man had no previous history of chest complaints. 

One of the concerning things about the caffeine contained in these drinks is that their marketing strategy is youth orientated with a prominent presence at sporting events.  66% of energy drink consumers are aged between 13 and 35.  They are packaged in such a way that it is easy for adolescence to have instant access to large amounts of caffeine.  The inappropriate marketing to youth can increase the risk of overdose, abuse and dependence.  A major concern with our adolescence is the mixing of alcohol and energy drinks leading to an increased risk of alcohol injury and dependence.  According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, mixing alcohol and energy drinks may keep people awake for longer, allowing them to consume more alcohol then they ordinarily would.  A 2011 study of about 1,100 university students found those who consumed energy drinks where about 2.5 times more likely to meet the diagnostic criteria for alcohol dependence then those that did not consume energy drinks. 

 Energy drinks are calorie bombs, containing as much as 8-10 teaspoons of sugar.  This amount of sugar in combination with the caffeine will increase your blood sugar levels and give you an initial energy burst but this is usually followed by a sudden fall in blood sugar levels.  A drop in blood sugar levels can cause that ‘crash’ lethargic tired feeling again, causing ‘hypoglycaemia’ symptoms which are superficially relieved by consuming more sugar.  Hypoglycaemia occurs when the pancreas overreacts to the large amount of sugar in the blood and releases too much insulin.  Overwork on the pancreas can put stress on the pancreas as it eventually fails to produce adequate insulin when blood sugar levels rise.   Aside from the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes, excessive sugar intake can lead to obesity and open the gateway for many other chronic medical issues.  Sugar that is ingested and not absorbed can provide a good meal for harmful bacteria, candida and other fungi spores in the intestinal tract. Metabolic issues can arise when you overload your body with excessive amounts of additives and sugar.  Your body may go into overdrive to process this overload and produce stress hormones such as cortisol, to cope with the task. 

 Claims that these beverages can improve cognitive function may be so but in the short term.  Over time these drinks can decrease your ability to function due to the disruption on sleep cycles.  This can lead to sleep deprivation, nervousness, irritability and anxiety.  These symptoms can further increase you dependence on these beverages.   They become highly addictive and can produce mood swings and headaches when you finally realise what is going on and try to quit. 

Many argue that there are health benefits that come with energy drinks due to the natural herbal ingredients.  Ginseng acts on the adrenal glands, giving you energy and endurance, Gingko Biloba enhances memory and relieves stress and Guarana, also a caffeine containing stimulant believed to prevent atherosclerosis and remove lactic acid from your muscles.  While these herbal ingredients can be beneficial to your health after all the commercial processing you may not end up with a standard extract in your beverage that will have any of these health benefits at all.  To add to this argument the sugar and caffeine contained in these drinks can prevent the absorption of any of these nutrients.

Without the FDA regulating it is up to the consumer to be aware of the side effects, especially when these beverages are readily available to anyone – even an 11 year-old child.  One cannot ignore the growing concern about these highly caffeinated beverages.  Researchers warn that the long-term effects are unclear but that certain susceptible people risk dangerous, even life-threatening, effects on blood pressure, heart rate and brain function.  As the potential harmful effects of excessive consumption of energy drinks far outweighs their benefits it is best to avoid them all together and consider this list of natural energy boosters:

Exercise, socialise, eat small frequent meals, avoid high sugar foods, get a good nights sleep or take a power nap, address vitamin and mineral deficiencies, increase your exposure to sunlight, drink plenty of water, and breathe fresh air!

If you are looking for a healthy alternative to kick your energy drink habit they are available.  NingXia Red is a naturally delicious, nutrient dense drink that is high in fibre, protein and vitamins and minerals.  It’s the perfect way to energise, replenish and fortify your body.  This exclusive blend of antioxidant rich super fruits contains only 19 calories per serving and delivers natural low glycaemia energy.  Containing the natural sweetener, stevia extract and wolfberry polysaccharides, it may help support cellular communication without causing blood sugar level spikes.

To find out more about NingXia Red visit:   http://www.thehouseofhealing.com.au/2010THOH-YoungLiving

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!