Is
Quercetin a useful Treatment for Allergic Rhinitis
The bioflavonoid Quercetin is considered
to be the most effective anti-allergic and anti-histaminic
bioflavonoid known. It works by inhibiting the release of
histamine by basophils and mast cells, and also inhibits
the production of imflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandins.
By inhibiting the synthesis and release of histamine Quercetin
greatly reduces the allergic and inflammatory responses
with no reported side-effects.
Also
worth considering in the treatment of Hayfever is vitamin
C which can help prevent the secretion of histamine, essential
fatty acids because of their significant anti-inflammatory
activity, and herbs like elder and fenugreek which can reduce
mucous production, garlic and horseradish which may reduce
the incidence of infection and aid detoxification.
Quercetain
is available in tablets, with dose of 600mg, up to 3 times
daily.
Inulin
Inulin
is classified as a fructan which is a class of carbohydrate,
also known as a non-digestible oligosaccharide. Inulin is
abundant in nature, and is the second most plentiful carbohydrate
after starch. It is present in many plant species and occurs
in high levels in onions, leeks, garlic, wheat, bananas,
globe artichokes and chicory root where most of the commercially
produced inulin comes from.
A
few of the benefits of inulin include a low caloric value,
its an efficient dietary fibre, safe for diabetics as it
does not effect serum glucose. Inulin is also an effective
prebiotic due to its ability to stimulate bifidobaceria
growth in the colon. Bifidobacteria, being a probiotic
can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, stimulating
components of the immune system, aiding absorption of nutrients
and also the production of B vitamins.
Other
than dietary sources mentioned Inulin is also available
as a white powder for use as a food supplement and/or a
food additive.
Zinulin
is a great way of increasing your dietary fibre with the
added benefit of intestinal health. Why not try some today??
the
principle of competitive exclusion...
"Competitive
exclusion protects us from incoming microbes. You can see
it as getting onto the bus in rush hour - where the bus
is full of people, you cannot get on the bus, there is just
no place for you to sit down. And this is how it works in
the intestine to a large extent as well.
There
are so many microbes, that any microbes coming will have
a very hard time trying to establish themselves there. So
this means that if you happen to ingest some pathogens,
they will not be able to establish themselves and you will
be protected from them. When the intestine is populated
with beneficial microbiota, you have to ingest very large
numbers of pathogens to get ill."
-Professor
Arthur Ouwehand, From the presentation 'Probiotics and Prebiotics
in Human Health.'
Dietary
Fibre
Dietary
diet is essential for health and can only been food in plant
foods, and there are two main types - soluble and insoluble.
Soluble fibre is often described as slippery, since it has
the capacity to carry lots of water thereby forming a gel.
This can help lower LDL ('bad') cholesterol, while maintaining
HDL ('good') cholesterol and help constipation or the symptoms
of irritable bowel. Soluble fibre is found in vegetables
and fruit, and some cereals like oats and barley, psyllium,
linseed, slippery elm and in dried peas, beans and lentils.
Insoluble fibre is often described as roughage. This
fibre is more resistent to digestion, and is fermented by
bacteria to produce special fatty acids for the health of
the gut wall. Insoluble fibre is found mostly in wholegrain
foods (especially wheat bran and rice bran), the skins of
fruit and vegetables
nuts
and dried beans. It helps prevent constipation by producing
bulky stools and speeding bowel transit time.
A
combination of fibres is essential and can be achieved by
including a variety of fruits and vegetables, grains and
legumes in the diet. The Australian Heart Foundation
recommends 30-35g dailyfor adults.
If
you would like further information on dietary fibre don't
hesistate to drop in and get a sheet on Dietary fibre with
daily averages and sources with values.
Vitamin A
Did
you know that vitamin A, sometimes called retinol(from animal
sources), and carotene(mainly from plant sources), counteracts
night blindness, weak eyesight, builds resistance to respiratory
infections by improving the health of the immune cells of
the respiratory tract, keeps the outer layer of your tissues
and organs healthy, promotes strong bones, healthy hair,
skin, teeth and gums.
Some
of the best sources are fish liver oils, carrots, green
and yellow vegetables, eggs, milk and dairy products, and
yellow fruits. Recommended Daily Intake for adults is 900iu
for men and 700iu for women, with an upper limit of 3000iu.
With
winter fast approaching and your mucous membranes being
an important part of your defence against colds and flus
it
may be a good idea to see if you are getting adequate amounts
of this essentail nutrient.
Iridology
Here
at Live Life our naturopathic practitioners utilise Iridology
as part of their consultation. If you would like to find
out more about this fascinating modality please email or
call us at Live Life.
Andrographis
Andrographis,
a common Indian plant is fast becoming a popular herbal
remedy in Australia for the common cold and immune deficiency.
It has also been also used for impaired liver function,
and digestive weakness.
Andrographis
is sometimes referred to as "King of the Bitters"
and as the term suggests it has a bitter taste.
It
is best avoided during pregnancy and with some conventional
medications, so check with your herbalist if it suitable
for you. Tablets and liquid extracts are available
from LIVELIFE.
Gluten Free and Gluten Containing Foods List.
Download .doc - .pdf
Glucosamine
Cartilage
exists wherever bones meet to allow the smooth movement
of the joint and to cushion the area. When cartilage wears
and bones rub together there is friction. And it is this
friction that creates pain and inflammation. As the cartilage
wears it also hardens, which may cause pain and inflammation
and immobility of the joint affected. Cartilage may wear
due to injury, poor posture, obesity, and abnormal stresses
to a joint. More often than not it is the weight bearing
joints such as the hips and knees. Any physical activity
that places continual strain on a joint can cause cartilage
damage.
Glucosamine
is found in particularly high concentrations in the cartilage
and other connective tissues. Glucosamine acts as a stimulant
and precursor to the proteins that form cartilage. As we
age our ability to produce glucosamine reduces, and this
can cause the cartilage to lose its water holding capacity,
this in turn can dry the cartilage and become less effective
as a shock absorber leading to joint pain.
Glucosamine
works by stimulating cartilage cells to produce proteoglycans.
These are the building blocks of cartilage, and they strengthen
and repair the cartilage. Glucosamine forms part of the
structure of the glycosaminoglycans that are the components
of cartilage joints, ligaments and tendons.
The
recommended daily dose for an adult is 1500mg.
Fish or Flax?
Here
at Live Life many people ask us about fish oil and flaxseed
oil (also known as linseed oil), and which one they should
be taking, and what are these omega- 3 things anyway?
How
does fish oil work?
While
more research needs to be done, it seems that the health
effects of fish oil are brought about in a number of ways.
One mechanism is the action of fish oil in cell membranes;
another is its action in suppressing inflammation. The fatty
acids that make up fish oil are called omega -3 fatty acids,
and are quite low in the normal Australian diet. Much more
common are omega-6 fatty acids, found in vegetable oils
and substances like margarines and salad dressings. One
major use of fatty acids by the body is to make cell membranes.
When the body has more omega-3 oils available through a
diet high in fish oil, the body's cell membranes contain
more omega-3. and these cell membranes are more flexible
and fluid, and less stiff.
Fatty
acids are also used by the body to make prostaglandins,
which are substances that cause inflammation within the
body, causing conditions like arthritis. However, the prostaglandins
made using fish oils are generally weaker (good prostaglandins),
therefore, adding fish oil to the diet of an inflammation
sufferer can decrease pain and swelling.
What
is the difference between fish oil and flaxseed oil?
Both fish and flax are good
sources of omega-3's, and for people who will not consume
fish for any reason, flax will do. Flaxseed oil is also
less expensive, which can be an important consideration
as well. The main difference is that flaxseed oil contains
only alpha- linoleic acid (ALA), which is the parent compound
from which other omega-3 fatty acids are derived. This leaves
it to your body to do the conversion to the other forms
it needs, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic
acid (DHA). The problem is that the conversion is not always
that efficient, and the body often uses the ALA for extra
energy, leaving less for conversion to the other types.
Fish oil, on the other hand, contains the other forms and
delivers them directly to your body with no conversion necessary.
Whatever form you decide to take, it might be a good idea
to back it up with an extra 400IU of Vitamin E (as mixed
tocopherols) to prevent the fatty acids from breaking down
too quickly in your body and oxidising.
Choosing
the right oil
- Fish
oil contains 2 important fatty acids: DHA (docosahexaenoic
acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid).
- Fish
rich in EPA and DHA include kippers, mackerel, pilchards,
Atlantic salmon, trout, blue grenadier, herring, sardines,
tuna, yellowtail and perch.
- Flaxseed
oil, spinach and walnuts are good sources of alpha- linolenic
acid, which can be converted by the body into EPA.
- When
selecting a fish oil supplement for heart health, arthritis
or inflammation, choose one that contains high levels
of EPA.
- For
cognitive function, dementia, mood swings or for use in
pregnancy, choose a fish oil with high levels of DHA,
usually a tuna oil.
- If
you are taking an oil as a source of vitamins A and D,
make sure you choose a fish liver oil, such as cod liver
oil.
- When
taking an oil supplement, it's a good idea to also take
vitamin E to act as an antioxidant.
References
"Fish
Oil", Options
magazine, Feb-March 2006, issue 9.
http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/flaxoil.htm#difference
Article
by Nicky Allison
Body
Mass Index
The
Body mass Index (BMI) is a method used to determine whether
a person's weight is in the correct range for their height.
So,
- Less
than 20 is considered to be underweight .
- 20-25
is considered to be normal .
- 26-30
is considered to be overweight .
- Over
30 is considered to be obese .
This
is done by dividing the weight in kilograms by height in
centimetres squared.
For
example, when a woman weighs 65 kg and her height is 1.68m,
her BMI is calculated by dividing 65 by 1.7 x 1.7 (2.89),
which equals 22.50. Her BMI is 23, which is considered to
be normal.
Hair Mineral Analysis - Article by Jenny Lea.
Available
through the Live Life naturopaths!
What
is Hair Mineral Analysis ?
Hair
tissue mineral analysis is an analytical test which measures
the mineral content of the hair. It is regarded by many
naturopaths, nutritional therapists and doctors to be one
of the most valuable screening tools available in holistic
health care.
Why
test for minerals?
Minerals
are involved in almost every metabolic process in the body,
so they are essential for growth, healing, vitality and
wellbeing. They provide structural support in bones and
teeth, and they maintain the body's acid-base balance, water
balance, nerve conduction, muscle contractions and enzyme
functions.
In
theory, we should be able to get adequate minerals from
a balanced diet, however this is rarely possible in the
modern world. Mineral content of foods are reduced due to
depleted soils, modern farming techniques and chemicals.
Environmental toxins, chemical food additives and stress
also adversely affect our nutritional status. For these
reasons monitoring of our nutrient levels is becoming increasingly
important.
Hair
mineral analysis also tests for toxic metal accumulations
in the body .
Excess
metals such as aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury
may interfere with normal vitamin and mineral balance and
can contribute to many metabolic disorders and symptoms
including fatigue, infections, high blood pressure, heart
disease, cancer and diabetes. For example, neurological
dysfunction can be caused from excess lead, aluminum or
mercury in the body, hypertension can result from excess
cadmium, anaemia and gout can result from lead toxicity.
While
routine blood tests cannot usually detect chronic heavy
metal poisoning, hair analysis is an accurate way of detecting
toxic metals in the body, so can often shed light on the
cause of chronic health conditions.
Minerals
tested: Boron, barium, bismuth, calcium, chromium,
cobalt, copper, germanium, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese,
molybdenum, nickel, phosphorus, platinum, potassium, rubidium,
selenium, sodium, sulphur, strontium, tin, titanium, thallium,
tungsten, vanadium, zirconium, zinc.
Toxic
Metals tested :
aluminum, antimony, arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury,
uranium
How
is the testing done
A
small hair sample is taken from the newest hair growth at
the nape of the neck, and sent to a Melbourne or Sydney
laboratory for analysis, where it goes through a series
of chemical testing procedures. The levels of minerals and
metals are analysed and graphed. A detailed report is then
supplied to the patient, via a consultation with their health
practitioner. This highlights significant excesses / deficiencies,
including the medical implications of these findings and
personalised nutritional recommendations to help correct
any imbalances found.
HAIR
/ MINERAL ANALYSIS IS A GOOD INVESTMENT IN YOUR HEALTH!
Many
people take nutritional supplements, often expensive ones,
without actually knowing for sure if they are necessary.
Inappropriate use of supplements can sometimes actually
become toxic to the body, or upset the balance of other
nutrients. The knowledge gained from this testing, can therefore
ensure that any supplements taken are appropriate, and contribute
to improved health for that person.
Article by Jenny Lea
For
more information please feel free to contact
the
qualified practitioners at Live Life
The Blood Type Diet - Article by Jenny Lea.
The
blood type diet revolves around the presence of ‘lectins’
in food, compounds that may cause good or bad reactions
in people according to their blood type. Some foods are
beneficial to people of a certain blood type, while others
are indifferent or possibly damaging. For example, the incorrect
diet can cause red blood cells to stick together and hinder
circulation. Adhering to an appropriate diet for your blood
type can therefore help you along the way to optimal health.
Many people on the blood type diet have found remarkable
improvements to a wide range of health conditions such as
digestive problems, chronic tiredness, allergies, skin problems,
inability to lose weight etc
What
does an appointment involve?
The
blood type test is a simple one; a drop of blood is taken
from your finger and then tested to ascertain which blood
group you are. Eating guidelines are then given, according
to which blood group you are. The appointment takes 15 minutes,
and costs $10
Contact
Live Life to book your appointment with one of our qualified
naturopaths
JENNY'S
DETAILS
appointments
& enquiries: 03 6223 7388
email
enquiries
Want
to know more about the glycaemic index and carbohydrate
metabolism check out this site...
www.glycaemicindex.com
USEFUL WEBSITES
FOR PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM CANCER
www.kingston.org.au/cancer
www.ciss.org.au
www.cancersupportwa.org.au
www.getandstaywell.com
DEALING
WITH STRESS NATURALLY by Jenny Lea – Naturopath
A
certain amount of stress in our lives can be a positive
thing, motivating us and inspiring us to move ahead. However
too much stress on an ongoing basis can have many negative
effects, both physical and psychological. These may include
anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, poor concentration,
irritability, headaches, neck or back aches, lowered libido,
digestive problems eg diarrhea, constipation, poor appetite
or overeating.
Everyone
has a different tolerance to stress. Your genetic makeup,
diet, environment, and lifestyle all influence how you react
to stress. Some people cope with far less stress than others,
and it is important to develop an awareness of your limitations,
and work within those. Balancing work with recreation and
relaxation is important. Make time in the week for activities
that will help restore your body and mind eg yoga, meditation,
massage, reading, walking, spending time with friends and
family, gardening etc. Regular moderate daily exercise is
also important.
Supporting
your body with a healthy diet will help increase your tolerance
to stress. The diet should be high in whole grains, fruit
and vegetables, and protein foods (fish, chicken, eggs,
legumes, soy foods, nuts, seeds, yogurt) This will help
ensure sufficient vitamins B and C in the diet which can
be depleted in times of stress. Essential fatty acids, such
as the Omega 3’s found in oily fish, flaxseed, and
other vegetable oils and seeds are also important for a
healthy nervous system. Avoid stimulants such as caffeine,
tobacco and alcohol, as well as refined, sugary and fatty
foods which will all further deplete the nervous system
and energy levels.
There
are various excellent supplements available to help support
your body in times of stress. A high dose vitamin B formula
is highly beneficial. Magnesium supplements (best combined
with calcium) also can help restore the nervous system and
aid in muscle relaxation. There are also some great herbs
for dealing with anxiety, insomnia and nervous tension including
valerian, passionflower, skullcap, St Johns wort and hops.
Other herbs such as oats, withania (Indian ginseng) and
Siberian ginseng, act as tonics for depleted adrenal glands
and nervous system, helping the body to restore, and increasing
energy levels. Flower essences, such as the Bach Flowers
and the Australian Bush Flowers, are fantastic for addressing
emotional states, such as anxiety, worry, fear, grief, depression,
tiredness and irritability.
A
naturopath can make up an personalised herbal tonic or flower
essence, based on your individual needs, as well as make
recommendations regarding diet and lifestyle that will help
you minimise the effects of stress in your life. They can
also help address underlying causes of stress, which may
include hormonal imbalances, hypoglycemia, allergies, candida,
environmental toxins and negative thought patterns.
JENNY'S
DETAILS
MANUAL
LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE - Sharon Campbell
WHAT
IS MANUAL LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE (MLD)?
Manual Lymphatic Drainage or MLD is a form of massage that
seeks to stimulate the flow of lymph fluid in the body.
It was developed by a German doctor over 100 years ago,
and is used extensively in the health care system in Germany.
In Australia, it is increasing in popularity for use in
lymphedema treatment.
HOW
DOES IT WORK?
By using movements that mimic the contraction of the musculoskeletal
system, MLD stimulates the movement of lymph fluid through
the lymphatic vessels of the body.
Our
lymph system has two main functions: an immune function,
which produces antibodies to fight foreign matter in our
bodies, and a waste removal function, which removes waste
products in our system.
When
our immune system is overloaded, we suffer from many complaints
including recurring coughs and colds, tiredness, or a decreased
ability to heal from cuts and sores. When our immune system
is overloaded for a long period of time, the opportunity
for degenerative disease increases.
When
waste products are not efficiently removed from the body,
they may build up in areas, forcing the body to eliminate
them in other ways, e.g. through the skin. Skin rashes,
acne or eczema may be the result.
In
some instances of surgery, lymphatic tissue, usually lymphatic
nodes, are removed. This typically happens in mastectomy
surgery, where lymph nodes under the arm are also removed.
This is usually done as a safe guard against cancerous cells
spreading to the lymph system. In these cases, lymphedema
can develop, resulting in a fluid swelling in the arms.
MLD
can help in situations where lymph flow has been obstructed,
or when general immunity is low.
WHO
SHOULD HAVE MLD?
There are many people who would benefit from an MLD treatment.
The following conditions may be helped with an MLD treatment,
or a series of treatments:
·
Lymphedema
· Chronic fatigue syndrome
· Edema due to sports injuries, allergic reactions,
or burns
· General low immunity complaints, e.g. recurring
colds and ‘flu, sinusitis
· Decreased muscular activity due to injury or illness
· Chronic acne caused from lymph blockage
ARE
THERE ANY REASONS YOU SHOULDN’T HAVE MLD?
When trying any new form of therapy, you should check with
your doctor first. There are some conditions where MLD is
not appropriate, such as high blood pressure (hypertension),
and cardiac edema.
HOW
MUCH DOES IT COST, AND HOW LONG IS A TREATMENT?
An MLD treatment will cost $50. Depending on your private
health insurance cover, some or all of this cost may be
claimed. Check if your health fund covers remedial massage.
A
treatment usually lasts 1-1½ hours, depending on
the area requiring treatment.
WHAT IS REFLEXOLOGY? - Sharon Campbell
Reflexology is an ancient form of holistic treatment, with links to Egyptian, Chinese and Indian cultures. Reflexology is the science that deals with the principle that there are areas on the feet and hands, which correspond to the major glands and organs of the body. By using pressure on specific areas of the foot and stimulating nerve connections, reflexology can balance and restore energy to various organs in the body.
The many benefits of reflexology
Reflexology reduces stress and induces relaxation
There is much documented on the effects of a stressful life on the body's health. 75% of illness is said to be stress related. This can be anything from general headaches, neck and shoulder tension, colds and 'flu, even through to cardiac illness, respiratory problems and cancer. Taking active steps to reduce the effects of stress is the best preventative measure one can take.
Most people who try reflexology for the first time find it far more relaxing than a general body massage. During a treatment, your only requirement is to lie down, face up, with your feet exposed. There is no rolling over, no fussing around with towels and sheets — you stay completely still. This in itself induces a deep sense of peacefulness.
Reflexology improves circulation
We all know that blood carries vital nutrients through the body, and also carries away toxins and waste products. One of the symptoms of a stressful life is a decrease in blood circulation. An improvement in circulation will allow the body to receive the nutrients carried in blood, and eliminate the waste products more effectively.
Reflexology helps the body remove toxins
Other than the circulatory system, the body has other methods for removing waste products (eg. the lymphatic system and the digestive system). A stressful situation will cause these systems to operate below par. Reflexology has the effect of increasing the flow and movement of these systems by helping to decrease the stress in the body.
Reflexology revitalises energy
Most of us complain of 'low energy' from time to time. It can appear as an inability to concentrate, a lack of motivation for things that usually interest us, or a physical feeling of tiredness. Reflexology, in making us feel better about ourselves, opens the pathways to increasing the energy levels and renewing us — both immediately after the treatment and for several days.
Reflexology is preventative health care
We are all aware of the importance of preventative health care — ‘A stitch in time saves nine’. Reflexology clients find they are less susceptible to colds and 'flu, feel generally more able to cope with stressful situations, and have a broader, happier outlook.
Preventative health care can save a great deal of time, money and frustration!
A reflexology treatment usually lasts 1-1½ hours, and includes an essential oil foot bath.
INFUSION
OR DECOCTION - THAT IS THE QUESTION
A
very effective way of extracting the properties of herbs
is by infusion.
So boil some water and then steep the herb in the water
for between 5-10 minutes, depending on the strength required,
the longer the stronger.
This
is the ideal method for leaves and flowers, however for
harder plant parts like roots, bark and berries the preferred
method is decoction, so we need to simmer the herb for between
5-15 minutes. The ‘tea’ that remains can then
be drunk 2-3 times a day for a medicinal effect, or whenever
for pleasure.
At
Live Life we have a range of local organic herbs for tea
making, from BRONZEWING, as well as imported and interstate
for SOUTHERN LIGHT. Some of our herbs include Meadowsweet,
Chamomile, Cats Claw, Passionflower, Mugwort, and Peppermint.
CHINESE
AND AYURVEDIC MEDICINE - Iain Maclean
Chinese
and Ayurvedic herbal medicines have been popular in the
west for hundreds, if not thousands of years.
One
herb in particular has been shown to have a wide range of
use and has enjoyed wide popularity: Zizyphus spinosa, Da
Zao, or Chinese date seed, member of the Rhamnaceae family,
is primarily used for: anxiety, insomnia, nervous exhaustion,
irritability and palpitations and may help for these conditions.
There
have been a number of clinical trials and studies on Zizyphus
showing significant improvement in the above conditions.
Check with your Herbalist or Naturopath to see if this herb
is suitable for you.
Another
herb that is becoming very popular with the prescribing
Herbalist or Naturopath, and now appearing on the retail
market is Ashwaghanda, also known as Winter Cherry or “Indian
Ginseng”. Botanically known as Withania somnifera,
and often referred to as Withania. It is a member of the
Solanaceae family and the root is the part used medicinally.
Withania
has a tonic action, with a slight sedative aspect, so it
may be used for nervous exhaustion especially due to stress,
anaemia, convalescence after acute illness or extreme stress.
Certainly an herb to consider in this day and age. Check
with your Herbalist or Naturopath, or any health professional
appropriately trained in Herbal Medicine so see if this
herb is suitable for you.
References
available upon request.
IAIN'S
DETAILS
