Emma Sutherland Health & Wellbeing Archives - Page 18 of 27

Andrographis and its Benefits in the Common Cold

With the constant change in weather, it’s no wonder the common cold is still lurking around! The herb Andrographis paniculata is in my top 10 of effective therapeutic herbal medicines. It is incredibly powerful as an immune enhancer and is effective against viruses, bacteria and parasites. At the initial signs of a cold, it is one of the first herbs that I think of and I have seen it literally stop a cold from taking hold. Andrographis is an Indian herb and is also known as “The King of Bitters” and it must the strongest tasting herb in my dispensary. That is why I often use it in tablet form as most patients really don’t appreciate its taste!

This lovely piece of research came from a systematic review, which means that the researchers summarise the results from all the controlled trials completed to date on Andrographis. They concluded that Andrographis is an effective treatment for the common cold. I educate patients to think of this herb as part of their first aide box – keep a bottle in the cupboard and at the first signs of a cold start on an acute dose and nip it in the bud!

Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection: systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Poolsup N, Suthisisang C, Prathanturarug S, Asawamekin A, Chanchareon U.

Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Silpakorn University, Nakhon-Pathom, Thailand. nalinee@email.pharm.su.ac.th

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Andrographis paniculata in the symptomatic treatment of uncomplicated upper respiratory tract infection. METHODS: Systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Mean difference in the reduction in symptom severity scores between treatment and control groups was calculated to obtain an overall […]

By admin|August 16th, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Research|0 Comments

Link Between Abdominal Fat and Breast Cancer

Do you need more motivation do lose that tummy fat? Well new research from a Harvard study suggests that excess fat around your tummy is linked to breast cancer that is not oestrogen dominant. Women who carry more fat around their organs are more likely to develop insulin issues and it appears that insulin may be the link between abdominal fat and premenstrual breast cancer!

Premenopausal women who carry excess fat around their abdomen or have a large waist relative to their hip size may face a higher risk for breast cancer that is estrogen receptor (ER)-negative, new research reveals.

The research team noted that such body fat distribution was linked more strongly to the risk for developing this particular type of cancer than it was to a risk for ER-positive breast cancer.

Body fat distribution of this kind was not associated with an increased risk for breast cancer generally, according to the study, published Dec. 15 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.

Estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer means that the cancer lacks receptors for the female hormone estrogen, so the hormone does not stimulate the cancer to grow.

The research team, led by Holly R. Harris of Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, pointed out that prior research had suggested that body fat composition (as indicated by body mass index, or BMI) has a complex relationship with cancer risk.

For example, having a higher BMI has previously been linked to a rise in the risk for postmenopausal breast cancer, but not premenopausal breast cancer.

On the other hand, the researchers said that premenopausal women who carry excess fat that wraps around organs in the abdominal region are more likely to develop the pre-diabetic condition […]

By admin|August 10th, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Research|0 Comments

How to prepare for surgery…

Our bodies have incredible ways of healing themselves however it’s important to prepare yourself for surgery with herbs, nutrients and lifestyle choices to maximise the quickest recovery time.

First and foremost you need to build up your immune system to discourage any infections post surgery! Eating nutritious food and maintaining a healthy, balanced lifestyle will help with healing and reduce inflammation.

Pre & post surgery tips:

Eat antioxidant rich food: Organic fruit & vegetables (especially orange coloured), berries, legumes, seeds, broad beans, soybeans, oats, corn, kale, peppers, parsley, ginger.

Vitamin C: This nutrient has a huge list of health benefits and should be a staple in every household! Vitamin C is an antioxidant, maintains connective tissue, helps with brain and nerve function, stimulates the immune system and research suggests that it has the ability to assist in wound healing.

Zinc: A trace element that is an essential cofactor for many chemical reactions. Zinc protects cell membranes from oxidative stress therefore is an antioxidant as well as an important nutrient for growth and development, immune responses and reproduction. Research into zinc has found that it improves wound healing therefore it should be part of your pre/post surgery care.

Bromelain: A mixture of proteolytic enzymes that are found in pineapples! It has been used for centuries to treat inflammation and swelling associated with surgery. Studies into bromelain have found it is an effective way to help heal wounds, burns and physical injuries.

Arnica: Take arnica homoeopathically pre and post surgery to assist with swelling and bruising as well as help the body deal with the trauma and shock of the surgery. One study using 227 patients in 3 separate trials, measured the outcome of homoeopathic arnica vs. placebo on postoperative swelling and pain. […]

By admin|July 12th, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Nutrition, Research|0 Comments

Acupuncture May Help Relieve The Symptoms Of PCOS.

Acupuncture and exercise may help women better handle the symptoms and risks that come with hormone imbalances caused by certain ovarian cysts, Swedish researchers report.

About one in 10 women of reproductive age have polycystic ovarian syndrome, a condition that can start in the teen years and cause irregular menstrual cycles and infertility. Small immature cysts on the ovaries disrupt hormone production, causing excessive secretion of testosterone, the male sex hormone. In addition to infertility, it can increase a woman’s odds of becoming obese and developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease, the study authors explained.

While the syndrome’s cause remains mysterious, researchers believe it is linked to a highly active sympathetic nervous system, part of the body’s internal controls that regulate several functions one cannot willingly manage, such as how wide one’s pupils dilate.

In the study, women with polycystic ovarian syndrome were separated into three groups: one group received regular electro-acupuncture, in which weak electric current is sent through the needles; another group was given heart-rate monitors and told to exercise three or more times per week; the last group was given no additional treatment or instructions. After a four-month period, women in the acupuncture and exercise groups ended up with lower sympathetic nervous system activity, though the acupuncture group received additional benefits, the researchers found.

“Those who received acupuncture found that their menstruation became more normal. We could also see that their levels of testosterone became significantly lower, and this is an important observation, since elevated testosterone levels are closely connected with the increased activity in the sympathetic nervous system of women,” study author Elisabet Stener-Victorin, an associate professor who has led the research at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, […]

By admin|July 5th, 2011|Fertility, Health & Wellbeing, Preconception & Pregnancy, Research|0 Comments

Olive Leaf Extract

The extract of Olea europaea has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and even dates back to Hippocrates who prescribed olive leaf for ulcers, muscular pain and cholera. Today, phenolic compounds have been isolated and researched for their vast health benefits.

Health Benefits

Antiviral: Olive leaf has the ability to inhibit and prevent viruses, retrovirus, bacteria, moulds, protozoa, fungi, parasites, worms and yeasts infections. Research suggests that olive leaf can stop the virus from replicating by penetrating the infected cells. The oil is also beneficial where the bacterium resists against antibiotics, making it a powerful antibacterial. Olive leaf is especially important to take as a preventative for the common cold, influenza, Epstein-Barr virus, Herpes virus and cytomegalovirus.

Antioxidant: It has the ability to protect against free radical damage therefore is important for your heart, circulatory system, reduces high blood pressure. Olive leaf is also a hypotensive herb therefore is beneficial hypertension and angina.

Energy production: Research has found that olive leaf extract helped increase energy levels and general well being in people suffering from fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Other uses: Olive Leaf can provide relief from arthritis, haemorrhoids, toothache, psoriasis, fevers and used as a daily maintenance for general wellbeing.

Olive Leaf is a safe extract to take as a daily supplement in order to improve immune function and eradicate infections from various microbes. It can be taken as a liquid or capsule form.

By admin|June 28th, 2011|Children, Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Nutrition|0 Comments

BPA and Men: A Bad Match

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an industry chemical used to make polycarbonate plastic resins, epoxy resins and other products. New evidence suggests that BPA can cause sexual dysfunction in men, especially those exposed to high levels at work. Investigators from Kaiser Permanente’s Division of Research in Oakland, CA, who reviewed the health records of 550 factory workers in China found that those who worked with BPA were four times more likely to report some type of sexual dysfunction than were men in the factory who didn’t work with the chemical.

This is not the first study to link BPA to harm in humans. Other research has demonstrated developmental changes in animals exposed to the chemical. In the new study, 15.5% of men exposed to BPA reported erectile dysfunctionmore than half the time compared to only 4.4% of men who weren’t exposed to BPA. In addition, 13.9% of the men exposed to BPA complained of difficulty ejaculating compared to 2.5% of men who weren’t exposed. However, the BPA levels in question were about 50 times what the average individual experiences. Don’t look for any change in policies pertaining to BPA as a result of this study. More evidence from other human studies will be needed to determine what levels, if any, of BPA are safe for humans.

Until we know more about any human health risks, I recommend avoiding plastics containing BPA. Substitute those made with polypropylene (#5 PP), high-density polyethylene (#2 HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (#4 LDPE). You can also reduce your exposure by buying foods and beverages frozen or packed in glass jars or bottles instead of cans lined with an epoxy containing BPA.

Click here for more information on diet and erectile dysfunction.

By admin|June 8th, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Men's Health, Research|0 Comments

What the Hell Is In Your Body Products and Why are They Legal?

Bio Oil is a topical product that is marketed as a “specialist skincare product that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone.” It is the number 1 selling scar and stretch mark product in Australia and is the most recommended product for scars and stretch marks by pharmacists.

But did you know what Bio Oil’s ingredients are and how they affect your health? The Environmental Working Groups’ Skin Deep Database (http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/) scores Bio Oil a 7 which is “high hazard” and it scores high for health concerns for its ingredients for developmental and reproductive toxicity. Ironic when so many pregnant women use Bio Oil to unknowingly rub harmful chemicals into their skin.

My concerns are the top 4 listed ingredients:

Paraffinum liquidum(mineral oil)
Triisononanon
Cetearyl ethyl hexanoate
Isopropyl myristate

Isopropyl myristate causes irritation to the skin, lungs and eyes.

Triisononanon enhances skin absorption of the product it’s in.

Mineral oil is associated with allergies and may cause organ system toxicity and is derived from petroleum.

Bio Oil also contains fragrance and fragrances are associated with allergies, dermatitis and potential effects of the reproductive system especially if phthalates are involved in the mix. The preservative use is butylated hydroxytoluene which has strong evidence to show developmental effects at high doses in animal studies.

The problem is that we absorb all of these chemicals and bioaccumulate them. The levels build in our bodies as we continue to store them, mainly in fat cells and bones.

When a woman is pregnant, the unborn child becomes a natural detoxifier for her – the baby “downloads” chemicals and heavy metals. Proof of this has been shown in various studies. What you put on your body and in your body has a profound effect on your health […]

By admin|May 31st, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Preconception & Pregnancy, Research, Uncategorized|0 Comments

RioLife Acai Challenge – Day 14

Day 14

Australian customs loved my Acai and whisked me through with a “welcome home!’ and a big smile. I head home to unpack and get ready for work tomorrow. What a brilliant holiday and I just adore travelling to other countries!

So, after 14 days of having Acai every day how do I feel? The answer is simple – fantastic! Despite long clinic days, 2 international flights, a busy 4 days in Thailand I am bouncing with energy, my eyes are shiny and my skin is so soft. I love this stuff and will definitely continue taking it daily. I notice that some days I seem to want more than others so I will just listen to my body and go with that. For my last dose I have a big bowl of fruit with Açaí mixed into sheep’s milk yoghurt and some kamut flakes on top. Delicious!

By admin|May 27th, 2011|Detox, Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Nutrition, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

RioLife Acai Challenge – Day 13

Day 13

It’s time to go back to Australia so I pack my bags, say goodbye to everyone and take one last bike ride around to ensure my memories are locked in tightly. I visit my little coconut vendor and say goodbye and I almost cry, she is so sweet. I just adore Thailand and love the way spirituality is such a natural part of life here. I feel very much at home and will be back again in six months. Acai makes its way into my breaky juice and also my coconut today. Seems my body wants a double serve for the flight home. I get to the airport and onto the plane without any issues apart from me not wanting to leave!

By admin|May 26th, 2011|Detox, Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Nutrition, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

RioLife Acai Challenge – Day 12

Day 12

Wedding day has arrived and I dose up on Acai as it will be a very big day! I actually put the Acai in a coconut and drink it that way. It’s great to scrape out the coconut meat and either eat it or add it to your smoothie. I am feeling so good and believe that the consistency of taking Acai is the reason. Nearly two weeks and it feels really easy to include in my diet and I am loving the outcome. My eyes are looking really clear and I only ever get that when I am detoxing. I notice this in clients and I call it “Detox Eyes” where the whites are so white it changes the colour of your eyes, they become luminous and shiny.

By admin|May 25th, 2011|Detox, Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Nutrition, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

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