In ancient societies food was planted along river banks. Annual flooding ensured that vital nutrients eroded from the mountains were carried down into the waterways and then deposited on the soil. These foods were rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements. These people were healthier than we are today! Most food was picked fresh and eaten in season. Food was high in vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants, phytonutrients and glyconutrients. Even in medieval times the farmer knew to rotate the crops. A field lay fallow for a year and then was planted with a different crop. Instead of pesticides and insecticides, principles of companion planting were often used.
What has happened? Interestingly we have forgotten most of the basic principles of growing and eating nutritious food. Have you noticed the growing health problems we face today? Auto immune diseases, cardiovascular disease, diabetes etc are on the increase. Could soil depletion, green harvesting, freezing, processing, canning, milling, refining and preserving of foods be effecting the nutrition of food? Could chemical additives, preservatives and colorings, have anything to do with this? The ancient saying “We are what we eat” is extremely significant. What are we actually eating? What are we actually missing out on? By the time food has undergone all of the above processes there is not a lot of its original nutrient value left so artificial nutrients have to be added back in; sugars and fats added for taste and salt as a preservative. Labeling is often confusing or worded in unfamiliar terms so that a food appears healthier than it actually is.
The trouble is we are eating energy dense foods (high in carbohydrates) which mostly fill us up and give us short term energy but are nutrient deficient. Our bodies are actually starved of adequate nutrition. Deficiencies of any vitamin, mineral or trace element will manifest in a corresponding health problem. Most people are familiar with deficiencies in Iron, Calcium, Zinc or Vitamin C for example, but others are less well known. Did you know for example, that Magnesium helps us to absorb nutrients such as Iron and vitamin B. If you suffer from fatigue, muscle cramps, osteoporosis, migraines, depression, nervousness, insomnia, numbness, tingling, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or irregular heart beat, to name a few, you may well be magnesium deficient. Magnesium is high in leafy green vegetables, nuts, grains, dairy and eggs.
Anti oxidants, vitamins and phytonutrients are available in early ripened fruit and vegetables but breakdown once picked. Fruit and vegetables that have been on the shelf for a few days are better than junk or preserved food. These are still sadly lacking in nutritional value. We need to eat significantly more fruit and vegetables today to match the same nutritional content of smaller amounts 10-50 years ago!
What can be done?The best policy is to eat as fresh, raw and seasonal as possible. Buying locally at our farmers markets is a step in the right direction or growing your own fruit and vegetables. Failing that you need to take a good multi-vitamin and anti-oxidant daily. This is absolutely essential. Health compromised persons need higher dosages of more specific micro nutrient foods, phytonutrients and glyconutrients. Herbal tinctures and nutritional powders are
significantly better for absorption than tablets. Supplements like this are like health insurance for the future .
Did you know there are many types of friendly bacteria (Probiotics) that live and work in colonies in our gut that are absolutely vital to our health and well-being?
by Sue Daly Bangalow Naturopathics.
Antibiotic therapy, the birth control pill, steroidal and hormonal drugs, antacids and gastric inhibitors. fluoride, chlorine, coffee/tea, carbonated drinks, synthetic vitamins, radiation, stress, preservatives, additives, pesticides and fertilizers, diets high in fat and low in fiber, diarrhea and infection can all contribute to an imbalance in this delicate gut micro flora.
Common Warning signs of bacterial imbalance.
- Allergies and food sensitivities (lactose intolerance)
- Constipation and diarrhea
- Faulty digestion, acid reflux and other gut disorders such as IBS
- Difficulty losing weight, sugar or carb cravings
- High cholesterol levels& toxicity
- Frequent fatigue, poor concentration
- Sleeping poorly night sweats
- Painful joints inflammation and stiffness
- Bad breath, gum disease dental problems
- Frequent colds, flu or infections
- Chronic yeast problems/ Candida
- Acne, eczema and dermatitis
- Extreme menstrual or menopausal symptoms
While all probiotics enhance our immune function and improve digestive disorders not all probiotics possess enough health benefits to be considered therapeutic. Some strains are more specific in their therapeutic actions than others.
The most useful strains include:
Lactobacillus acidophilus
This may assist in the maintenance and restoration of healthy microflora in the small intestine and supports healthy digestive function and vaginal flora following the use of Antibiotics or contraceptives.
Bifidobacterium lactis comprises 90% of the beneficial bacteria in the large intestine and in breast fed infants this may account for as much as 99% of the gut flora. Healthy restoration of this microflora in the large intestine will relieve diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and enhance the general function of the digestive system.
Lactobacillus plantarum
Is extremely important for the management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome
It will also reduce symptoms of bloating, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, gastro intestinal pain and inflammation
Lactobacillus rhamnosus
Has an important modulating effect in cases of allergies (such as eczema and ectopic dermatitis in infants and children) and infections.
Bifidobacterium lactis
Supports immunity and reduces the incidence of opportunistic infections in susceptible populations such as the elderly.
Saccharomyces boulardi
This may be used for managing leaky-gut & diarrhea (especially acute diarrhea like travellors diarrhea, infant diarrhea, or diarrhea caused from Anti biotic use or contraceptives.
It protects the gut lining and is particularly effective against fungal infections like candida.
A natural way to increase these micra flora in our diets is through fermented dairy products such as yoghurt a wonderful nutritional and natural form. Traditional societies used sauerkraut and pickled foods with the same effect. Probiotics can also be obtained through nutritional supplements but be careful to ensure the product contains organisms that are resistant to degradation, are produced under high quality controlled standards to ensure stability and efficacy and that they can guarantee their number of viable organisms.
Sue Daly Bangalow Naturopathics.
 Whenever a herbalist or naturopathic practitioner prescribes a supplement, three important questions are asked: Are you allergic to anything? Are you on medication? Are you on any supplements?
Not knowing a person’s underlying medical condition and medication regime can turn a simple herbal remedy deadly. Herbs, vitamins and minerals and supplements have to be prescribed in the right dose according to the individual. Naturopaths spend years studying the nature of disease and disease processes and the medicines they prescribe.
Herbs are treated with reverence because each contains active constituents giving them a specific therapeutic action. Some herbs have to be used cautiously because they can be contra-indicated in certain conditions.
With the growth of the vitamin industry, many people mix supplements with medication or dose themselves with herbs with disastrous results. Many believe that if a product is herbal, it must be safe: easily understood as you can buy supplements in your supermarket.
What is alarming is the number of people prescribing with little or no knowledge of contra-indications and the interactions of herbs and pharmaceutical medicines.
A client recently asked me for the herb Andrographis. Taken acutely at the onset of symptoms it can stop a cold in its tracks and prevent it turning to flu symptoms. However, she was buying it for a pregnant friend and it is contra-indicated in pregnancy! Many herbs are not suitable for pregnant women and some can be abortifacients!
Olive leaf is one of the best anti-viral herbs. A gentleman had been given it by his daughter-in-law to boost his immune system but his blood pressure was back up and his medication not holding it. Olive leaf is contra–indicated in high blood pressure!
There are a number of dangers to self-prescribing, including the side effects when mixed with prescription drugs. Ginkgo biloba or ginseng can cause excessive bleeding, so neither should be used with a drug like Coumadin. Combining valerian for its sedative effects with sleep aids can cause over-sedation. The herbal antidepressant St. John’s Wort shouldn’t be used with SRIs like Prozac or Zoloft. Hundreds of herbs can potentiate or block other medication or herbs. And some herbs aggravate in large doses or may lead to allergies.
It is not just with herbs one needs caution. A client who was suffering from excessive hair loss was taking many vitamins and minerals. She was doubling up on many and exceeding her recommended daily dosages. Her Vitamin E intake was too high causing the hair loss. Certain vitamins and minerals work together like Vitamin C with iron. Others should not be taken together, eg zinc or copper with iron.
Because we no longer get all of our essential nutrients and minerals in our food, we could all take a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, an antioxidant, an omega 3 oil and a good probiotic. But ask someone who has expertise to prescribe what you need with a quality product. Cheaper fish oils are not molecular distilled and you could be putting mercury into your system.
Lastly, do not assume a supplement that is good for you is good for someone else. Ask for advice by a trained practitioner if you are on medication or have a pre-existing medical condition. If you are pregnant, check that it is safe before you take anything. Check the recommended daily allowance of vitamin and minerals. Cheap supplements can be more harmful than beneficial.
Sue Daly, Bangalow Naturopathics
http://www.heartbeat.net.au/index.php?p=127_the_dangers_of_self-prescribing_
Kaye Shadbolt Bangalow Naturopathics
If you feel you are getting sufficient sleep but wake feeling tired or become easily exhausted, some possible reasons are discussed below.
• Infections – from the common cold to more serious infections such as Glandular Fever, fatigue is usually present. In our area mosquito-born infections such as Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest Virus bring on fatigue, and after improvement of symptoms, relapses can occur. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as the name suggests, is a long-term condition where fatigue is the major symptom. Building immunity to fight infection is crucial. The herbs, Olive Leaf and Echinacea as well as Vitamin C can help do this.
• Hormonal Imbalances – such as under-active Thyroid, lead to a low energy state. Ensuring there are enough Iodine-rich foods in the diet, such as seaweeds and seafood may help symptoms.
• Poor Digestion – can limit the amount of nutrients we absorb, so although our diet may seem healthy, our digestive system may not be absorbing and utilizing nutrients to supply energy requirements. The bitter herbs Gention and Barberry stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, and Chamomile and Peppermint help calm digestion where there is bloating and cramping.
• Anaemia – can be the result of inadequate intake of iron-rich foods, such as red meat and green leafy vegetables, or failure to absorb sufficient iron. B Vitamins help the body to absorb iron, and sometimes iron supplements are required when demands are high, such as in pregnancy.
• Allergies – often lead to decreased energy. Asthma and Hayfever affect breathing and therefore oxygen intake. Gluten Intolerance can cause diarrhoea, interfering with nutrient absorption. Becoming aware of possible triggers is sometimes difficult, so herbs such as Albizia and Baical Skullcap help to lessen the reaction, especially in respiratory disease.
• Toxicity – when our body is overloaded with toxins from our diet and environment, the Liver, the main organ of detoxification, is unable to cope and we feel sluggish. A diet high in fruit, vegetables and purified water will gradually help to cleanse the body and taking liver herbs such as Dandelion and St. Mary’s Thistle will aid in the process.
The reasons for tiredness are various and often complex. Effective treatment requires taking into account mental and emotional factors along with physical symptoms. Healing on all levels lifts our spirits and therefore our energy.
Kaye Shadbolt, Bangalow Naturopathics
The most dangerous tick in New South Wales is the paralysis tick or scrub tick, Ixodes Holocyclus, which is found along the State’s eastern coastal strip and inland for about 30 kilometres.
Ticks occur in humid, moist bushy areas. They rely on passing animals to both feed on and transport them. They may wander for up to two hours until attaching on a host and then they begin to engorge with blood. After adequate feeding they will start injecting a potent toxin. Peak tick season is August to February.
Reactions from ticks can vary from a mild itching with localised swelling to widespread swelling, pain and anaphylactic shock. Other symptoms may include unsteady gait, increased weakness of the limbs, muscle and joint pain, multiple rashes, headache, fever, flu-like symptoms, tenderness of lymph nodes and partial facial paralysis. Vomiting and mental confusion can also occur. Tick paralysis develops slowly as the tick engorges, which will take several days. Despite the removal of the tick, a patient’s condition typically will continue to deteriorate for a time and recovery is often slow. The more serious conditions are Lyme Disease and Tick Typhus. As well as the above symptoms characteristic skin lesions can occur within days, weeks or months of being bitten. With Tick Typhus the bite develops a black centre resembling a cigarette burn, whilst Lymes manifests a red spotted, raised or blistering rash on the trunk and later the face, palms and soles. Enlarged liver and spleen are also possible. Chronically sensitive enlargement of gland nodes can last for several years, particularly those around the head and neck. Rashes can re-occur.
Clinical diagnosis is confirmed by a western blot blood test. It is commonly treated with antibiotics after the tick has been removed.
Ixodes 30 is a homeopathic made from the tick itself. This will treat all symptoms of tick bites including paralysis in animals. In severe reactions Ixodes is used every 15 -30 minutes until symptoms settle.
Thoroughly search for ticks behind ears, the back of the head, groin, armpits and backs of knees after possible exposure. Do not try to kill the tick with any kind of oil or chemical. This may cause the tick to inject more toxins. Ticks breathe out the back of their legs so before removing a tick cover it with an ointment or cream. This will draw it away from the site. Using fine pointed tweezers, grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible without squeezing the body. Pull out the tick with steady pressure. If some of the tick is accidently left behind apply a poultice of warmed castor oil over the top.
If you have a severe infestation, a bath for 30 minutes with one cup of bicarbonate of soda is beneficial. Ledum and chickweed tinctures, Aloe gel, lavender and Blue Chamomile oils all help the itch. Try the Ixodes and for severe reactions seek professional attention.
Sue Daly, Bangalow Naturopathics
Sue Daly Bangalow Naturopathics
Zinc is one of the most important minerals and yet most people are seriously deficient. Stress, poor diet, pregnancy alcohol, or infection can drain the body of zinc very quickly. Teenage boys and the elderly are also more likely to become zinc deficient.
Do you suffer from any of these symptoms?
- Reoccurring infection/cold, flu
- Slow growth and repair of tissue and wounds
- Poor appetite/loss of taste or smell
- Painful joints, arthritis
- Poor nutritional status (dirt eating – often among seriously deficient children)
- Mental, emotional and behavioural disorders (anxiety)
- Slow sexual development in adolescence
- Impotency and sterility in males, prostate gland disorders
- Low libido, infertility
- Poor growth in children or foetus in pregnancy
- High cholesterol levels
- High BP, heart attack, stroke
- Weak RBC fatigue, paleness
- Poor blood sugar regulation Hypogycaemia/diabetes
- Premature greying of nails/white spots on nails
- Hair loss, dandruff, premature graying
- Premature ageing of skin, eczema/acne, poor repair and elasticity
- Liver disorders
- Unpleasant body odour
- Gastrointestinal irritation
- Reduced copper status increased metal toxicity
Diets high in grains such as bread or pasta can block zinc absorption making deficiency more likely. Foods high in zinc include red meat, milk and eggs, nuts and seeds (especially brazil nuts and pumpkin seeds).
A very simple quick taste test will determine your zinc status. You take 10mls of a special standardized Zinc solution into your mouth and hold it for 10 seconds before swallowing it. How it tastes will depend on wether your zinc levels are low or high. This is available at most health food/naturopathic outlets and often is a free over the counter test.
Zinc supplements too often and without need can result in toxicity too so it’s important to know exactly what your level is.
Sue Daly Bangalow Naturopathics
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