Follow my Blog and get VIP updates on my Detox!Press the Facebook Like button and receive my Detox eBook valued at $29.95Well it’s the night before Detox begins and I feel so ready for this. I have been indulging since the beginning of December in celebratory vino and lovely food. That’s the problem when your birthday is in early December and you have a passion for extended birthday festivities! They kind of merge with Christmas festivities then New Year’s festivities and BANG! Before I know it the days have turned into weeks and then a month.Ouch – I must say that despite having gained a few laughter lines over the last 5 weeks I have also gained 2kg and feel like a sloppy, saggy old woman. I caught sight of myself in the mirror the other day and damn if I didn’t wonder whose butt it was. I think I must have lost mine along the way. The only option is to suck it up and get tough so hence the need for Detox to come early this year.You may be wondering what I do during Detox and this is what I will share with you over the next 4 weeks. An inside scoop on how I make the transformation into vibrant, healthy, glowing me and also how I use the same principles to help clients experience brilliant results. Time and time again I am convinced by results and I challenge anyone to defy the way they feel after Detox.I have made sure that my house does not have any contraband – I took my favourite corn chips to my brothers, I finished the open bottle of vino and I have filled the […]
Morning Sickness – It’s In Your Genes
Click the Facebook Like Button and receive a FREE copy of my Detox eBook valued at $29.95!Nausea is a common complaint in pregnancy. More commonly known as morning sickness, nausea, vomiting, lethargy and tiredness can clear up by the end of the first trimester, or for some women, may persist throughout the entire pregnancy. More rarely, severe vomiting that does not stop, a condition known as hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) requires urgent medical attention and affects about 0.5% – 2% of Australian women during pregnancy.Although the causes of nausea in pregnancy are not yet known, the following have been suggested as contributory factors: low blood sugar, low blood pressure, hormonal changes, emotional ambivalence about the pregnancy, food deficiency (in particular of vitamin B6 and iron), an excess of refined, spicy, or greasy foods, and pressure on the stomach from the growing uterus in the last few weeks of pregnancy.Recent findings have uncovered another possible cause of morning sickness: genetics. Dr. Marlena Fejzo of the University of Southern California-Los Angeles, author of this interesting study explains that women were more likely to experience a serious form of morning sickness if their mothers or sisters did as well. Specifically, HG was studied and it was discovered that women with sisters who had the condition were 17 times more likely to also develop it. HG causes unrelenting, excessive nausea and vomiting that puts the pregnant woman at risk of malnutrition, dehydration and significant weight loss.Dr. Fejzo explained “the degree of heredity is very exciting because it suggests genes are involved, and when we find those genes, we may finally understand the cause of severe nausea in pregnancy and be able to make new treatments that are designed to […]
Protecting the Future Fertility of Women
With fertility issues affecting one in six couples in Australia, there is renewed interest in preconception care amongst would- be parents. One expert from First Response advises that women in their 20s need to be aware that their future fertility relies on their current lifestyle practices. Research has proven the importance of vitamins in pregnancy already and a prime example is iodine.Throughout history, ancient civilisations knew that the time before a woman became pregnant was very special and required a specific diet. This primitive wisdom involved feeding special foods rich in fat soluble vitamins as well as macro and trace minerals to both men and women for a period of time before conception.Women today are being urged to consider protecting their chances of getting pregnant, considering what is now known about the connection between the decline of fertility and age. Advanced technology offers procedures and techniques to artificially preserve a woman’s fertility, however, Dr Mike Smith, expert for fertility brand First Response says “Living a healthy lifestyle will help to improve future fertility”.Recent media attention focused on technology enabling a young woman to freeze her ovaries with the idea of delaying motherhood until later in life has divided experts. Dr Sherman Silber, who conducted the first full ovary transplant in 2007, told the American Society for Reproductive Medicine that the procedure would work better than egg freezing. Other experts warn that this technology has not yet been fully tested and gives no guarantee of conception when the ovaries are re-implanted.Tony Rutherford, chairman of the British Fertility Society, said the research was still very recent and much more needed to be done to ensure the procedure’s effectiveness, especially in how successful the re-grafting of the […]
Fertility Problems Linked to O Blood Type
A study out of Yale University and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has found that women with blood type O are at double the risk of diminished ovarian reserve than women of other blood types. However, one expert on fertility says more research needs to be done after these “surprising and stark” findings.Women under the age of 45 were measured for levels of the reproductive hormone FSH. An FSH level greater than 10 indicated diminished ovarian reserve. Other fertility factors including age and body mass index (BMI) were considered before comparing the blood types and FSH levels of patients.Researchers discovered that women with types A or AB blood were significantly less likely to have an FSH greater than 10 than were women with types O or B blood.“This is a novel look at a poorly understood part of reproductive aging. Through studies like these we will be better able to understand the complexities of the human reproductive system,” says William Gibbons, MD, president of the ASRM. In Australia, 49% of Australians have type O, 38% type A, 10% type B and 3% type AB.More research is needed, however. The FSH method isn’t the most accurate for measuring fertility but can assess approximates of egg reserve. A more precise marker of ovarian reserve is to measure a woman’s anti-mullerian hormones (AMH).Richard Fleming, PhD, and scientific director of the Glasgow Centre for Reproductive Medicine comments on type O women wanting to have a baby, saying “It is an interesting, and to me, quite surprising finding that needs to be substantiated. Therefore, the implication for someone with type O is number one, don’t worry.”“Number two, if women have fertility concerns,” Fleming says, “get their AMH measured, […]
What Nut or Seed is Best For You?
Nuts and seeds make the most convenient snack – no refridgeration required, easily carried in your bag and full of endless nutrients. But, what is the best nut or seed for you? Read on to find out.AlmondsJust a quarter cup of almonds contains nearly 25% of your needed daily value of the important nutrient magnesium. A quarter cup of almonds has almost as much calcium as a quarter cup of milk.WalnutsWalnuts contain the antioxidant compound ellagic acid, which is known to fight cancer and support the immune system. Walnuts are the best nut to lower cholesterol and support a healthy heartCashewsCashews are lower in fat than most nuts and 65% of this fat is unsaturated fatty acids. Of this, 90% is oleic acid, the heart-healthy fat found in olive oil.PecansA study from New Mexico State University found that eating 3/4 cup of pecans a day may significantly lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and help to clear the arteries.Brazil nutsThese nuts are extremely nutrient-rich and contain protein, copper, niacin, magnesium, fiber, vitamin E and selenium. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that works to neutralize dangerous free radicals.Macadamia These nuts are high in protein, fiber, healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium and magnesium.Pumpkin Seeds Promotes prostate health, protect for men’s bones and keep them strong, anti-inflammatory benefits for those with arthritis, and help lower cholesterolSunflower SeedsSunflower seeds are an excellent source of vitamin E which keeps your skin glowing and healthy. Sunflower seeds are also an excellent source of linoleic acid (an essential fatty acid) and dietary fiber.Watermelon seedsWatermelon seeds are also loaded with several of the B vitamins such as folate, B2 and B3 as well as health promoting magnesiumHazelnutsHazelnut is a good source for B1, B2 and […]
Eating For An Erection – Does Diet Affect Erectile Function?
Encouraging men to eat a healthier diet may have just got a bit easier. Epidemiological evidence now clearly supports a role for several dietary factors in the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction.The prevalence of erectile dysfunction is surprisingly high. A review of general practice patients in Perth, Australia in 2000 found almost 40% of men reported some erectile difficulties. Figures on prevalence vary but before the age of forty it is uncommon, however it more than doubles for men over 50 and continues to rise quickly as men age. Over 70% of men over 70 are having problems.Exercising regularly and staying lean are clearly beneficial. Now diet is proving its potency. Men with a dietary pattern high in fruit, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and fish but low in red and processed meat and refined grains are less likely to have difficulty achieving and maintaining an erection.The Mediterranean diet has been proposed as a healthy dietary pattern based on evidence that it is associated with lower all-cause and disease-specific survival. The assumption is that these beneficial effects are primarily due to improved cardiovascular function although other mechanisms are likely to contribute.Type 2 diabetic men whose diets most closely match the Mediterranean style of eating have the lowest prevalence of erectile dysfunction and are also more likely to be sexually active.We can now show that the prescription of a healthier diet for men with erectile difficulties improves performance, especially in men with obesity of metabolic syndrome. In clinical trials, the Mediterranean diet was more effective than a control diet in ameliorating erectile dysfunction or restoring absent erectile function.ReferenceDietary Factors, Mediterranean Diet and Erectile Dysfunction. Esposito K, Giugliano F, Maiorino MI, Giugliano D. J Sex Med. 2010 May […]
Obesity Linked to Lower Sperm Count in Young Men
Young men who are obese may have a lower sperm count than their normal-weight counterparts, a new study suggests. The findings, reported in the journal Fertility and Sterility, add to evidence tying obesity to relatively poorer quality sperm. A number of recent studies have found that compared with leaner men, obese men tend to have lower sperm counts, fewer rapidly mobile sperm and fewer progressively motile sperm, which refers to sperm that swim forward in a straight line rather than moving about aimlessly.But age is a “confounding” factor in examining the relationship between obesity and sperm quality. Older men tend to have lower sperm quality than younger men, and they also tend to have more body fat. However, among the more than 2,000 men in the current study, obese men between the ages of 20 and 30 generally had a lower sperm count than normal-weight men in the same age group.What all of this might mean for an obese younger man’s chances of becoming a father is unclear. Studies have so far come to conflicting conclusions as to whether obesity actually impairs a man’s fertility. And these latest findings do not reveal whether the difference in sperm count between obese and normal-weight men would be enough to also make a difference in their fertility, according to lead researcher Dr. Uwe Paasch, of the University of Leipzig in Germany.For their study, Paasch and his colleagues used information from a database on men who had come to their fertility clinic for a semen analysis between 1999 and 2005. The 2,157 men included in the study were 30 years old, on average, and had no known infertility problems.Overall, obese men had a relatively lower average sperm count […]
Obesity is Pushing Girls into Puberty Earlier
It seems absurd to buy a bra for a 7-year-old. But according to a new study, some overweight young girls now require one.Because body fat is linked to the production of sex hormones, overweight girls are developing faster than they would if they were a suitable weight for their age—sometimes as early as 7 or 8 years old. According to the Guardian, research shows that “almost one in four black girls and one in 10 white girls had developed breasts by the age of seven.”In the 1700s, girls usually hit puberty at age 17 or 18 (this delay could have been a result of malnutrition). The physical liabilities of obesity include the increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, kidney problems, sleep apnea and other preventable health issues.But the sexual changes occurring in an obese generation are likely to have emotional and psychological consequences as well. Girls who reach puberty before their peers are more likely to take risks. They’re also more likely to be depressed, have negative body images, suffer from eating disorders, and become sexually active at an earlier age than their peers.”For the 11-year-old that looks like she’s 15 or 16, adults are going to interact with her like she’s 15 or 16, but so are her peers,” Dr. Frank Biro, author of the study and a doctor at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, told Fox News. Girls who develop at a young age “look physically older,” he said, but “it doesn’t mean that they’re psychologically or socially more mature.”Girls who develop breasts early might also have a higher risk of breast cancer. Researchers speculate that, beyond weight-related factors, environmental factors could play a role as well. Certain chemicals (such […]
Mushrooms – The New Superfood!
Those innocuous mushrooms in your shopping basket could be the answer to your vitamin D deficiency! Expected revisions to the recommended daily intake of vitamin D, which are expected this summer, may do wonders for mushroom sales. “There’s a better understanding of importance of vitamin D in human health,” said Tara McHugh, a research leader at the USDA.At least 40% of Australians don’t get enough vitamin D, but others estimate it may be twice that number. In addition to aiding calcium absorption by the body, vitamin D may help numerous health conditions including osteoporosis, cancer, diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis and even a reduction in overall mortality.Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin found in few foods, occurs naturally in fish oils and has been added as a supplement to milk since the 1930s to help combat rickets, a major health problem at the time. Humans also create it naturally when ultraviolet rays from the sun strike the skin. It’s our “sunshine” vitamin!While it has been known for years that mushrooms also can generate the vitamin, it wasn’t until a few years ago that people started thinking about its commercial viability. It was found that exposing mushrooms to a short burst ultra violet light produces a daily allotment of vitamin D in 120 grams of mushrooms without a negative impact on other nutritional benefits, appearance, taste or shelf life. In comparison, one cup of fortified milk provides about 30% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin D.So, add mushrooms into your diet for an added boost of vitamin D, an essential nutrient for optimal vitality! Read about my immune boosting soup that features the powerful Enoki mushrooms.PSHave you checked you vitamin D levels after our cold […]
Organic Food Really Is More Healthy
I am a passionate believer of organic food and have been eating organically for many years now. Not only does it taste better but I truly believe that is supports my immunity and gives me more energy. People buy organic produce because they believe it is more environmentally responsible, more healthful and tastes better than produce grown conventionally. When it comes to strawberries, turns out they’re right.A new study of 13 pairs of conventional and organic California strawberry farms over two seven-month growing seasons in 2004 and 2005 revealed that organic farms produced more flavourful and nutritious berries while leaving the soil more healthful and genetically diverse. In a surprising twist, the organic strawberries also had a longer shelf life than the other varieties.The study, published Wednesday, is among the most comprehensive of its kind nationwide. To date, most research has looked at either organic farming’s impact on nutrition or the soil – not both. “There is no paper in the literature that comprehensively and quantitatively compares so many indices of both food and soil quality at multiple sampling times on so many commercial farms,” said lead researcher John Reganold, Washington State University Regents professor of soil, science and agroecology.Reganold said the research team chose to study strawberries because the berries are near the top of the list of produce that retains pesticide residues. According to the Environmental Working Group, strawberries rank third out of 50 popular fruits and vegetables. In a single sample of conventionally grown strawberries, researchers found 13 kinds of pesticides.And California was the obvious location for the study. The state grows 90% of the nation’s strawberries and accounts for 25% of global production. The findings come as state regulators are […]
