Emma Sutherland Naturopathy Archives - Page 6 of 12

The Facts on My Inner Health – This Naturopath is Astonished

“If you can tell me right now, what it is that gets you up in the morning, your life expectancy is 7 years higher than the person sitting next to you who can’t tell you why they get up in the morning” says Dan Buettner. Dan spent 5 years travelling the world and studying the world happiest people and has written a brilliant book, Blue Lines. He came up with 9 behaviours that lead to living a longer, better life;

1.            Move (find ways to move mindlessly, make moving unavoidable)
2.            Plan de Vida (know your purpose in life)
3.            Down Shift (work less, slow down, rest, and take vacation)
4.            80% Rule (stop eating when you’re 80% full)
5.            Plant-Power (more veggies, less protein and processed foods)
6.            Red Wine (consistency and moderation)
7.            Belong (create a healthy social network)
8.            Beliefs (spiritual or religious participation)
9.            Your Tribe (make family a priority)
I have just completed Dan’s Vitality Compass, found at bluelines.com, and the results are astonishing. After answering a series of 35 questions such as how often I felt anxious in the last month to how many serves of fruit I have eaten this week to am I single or married I have a few hard facts staring at me.
My biological age is actually 32.8 which is a vast improvement on the 38 years I actually am. This reflects my health habits and great diet choices.
I am expected to live until 90.2 which, considering my strong family trends of longevity did not surprise me at all. My grandmother is 85 and a ball of energy, she Skypes me regularly and always makes me promise to have some down time!
The figure that worries the hell out of me is that I am […]

By admin|January 3rd, 2012|Health & Wellbeing, Men's Health, Naturopathy, Research|Comments Off

How To Prevent & Treat UTI’s

UTIs are 50 times more common in women than men and it is estimated that 20% of women are affected by UTIs at some time during their lives- many of these women will also experience recurrent episodes of UTI throughout their lifetime.As the urinary tract is usually sterile, UTI’s occur when bacteria are introduced. Most commonly it is E.coli (70-90%) and less commonly Staphylococcus (5-10%).
Underlying issues that can cause urinary tract infections:

Changes in estrogen levels as seen in menopause, pregnancy & pre period alter the delicate balance between good & bad bacteria in the vaginal tract
Dehydration
Antibiotics, oral contraceptive pill & spermicides all alter vaginal flora
Stress has the effect of suppressing the immune system allowing E.coli to proliferate
Caffeine, alcohol, sugar also suppress the immune system and can increase risk of UTI’s
Pelvic floor dysfunction
Sex – nuns have 10% incidence of UTI’s compared to the average woman

What I recommend to prevent UTI’s:

drink at least 8 glasses of filtered water very day
always wipe from front to back as E.Coli live in the colon and are introduced into the vagina when wiping from back to front
avoid tight fitting underwear and clothes
wear cotton lingerie and stockings rather than pantyhose
avoid the use of feminine hygiene sprays and powders
urinate after sexual intercourse
women with recurrent infections should avoid the use of possibly irritant contraceptive devices such as diaphragms with spermicides. Make sure to use organic tampons
avoid sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and animal fats as these have been to show to suppress the immune system.
eliminate food sensitivities in the diet as they may contribute to pH changes that weaken the immune system
Shower after swimming in a chlorinated […]

By admin|November 22nd, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Preconception & Pregnancy|0 Comments

Healthy Ways To A Happy Heart…

Over the past couple of decades, there has been an improvement in the number of cardiovascular disease cases, however it still remains one of the biggest causes of death in Australia! Modifying your diet and lifestyle can make a huge impact on your chances of dying from cardiovascular disease so here’s a snapshot of ways you can turn your life around…

DIET

• Eat fresh fruit and vegetables – berries, grapefruit, oranges
• Whole grains – oats, barley, quinoa, millet, spelt
• Legumes – chick peas, cannelloni beans, adzuki beans, lentils
• Nuts and seeds – a handful of walnuts or almonds daily
• Include olive oil (in place of saturated fats)
• Reduce refined sugar intake
• Cut back on red meat
• Include foods that are low GI
• Eat foods rich in essential fatty acids – salmon
• Increase water intake – 2 to 3 litres of water daily
• Include garlic, tumeric and rosemary to meals for their cardioprotective properties
• Look at diets like the Mediterranean Diet, The DASH diet or The Portfolio Diet for more ideas

SUPPLEMENTS
CoQ10 – Provides energy nutrients and is great for people using cholesterol lowering drugs. The use of CoQ10 pre cardiac surgery has been studied extensively since the 80’s and as a result, it is has been shown to reduce complications and improve recovery. It works as an antioxidant and has an effect on every cell in the body, thus improving heart function and a reduction in blood pressure.

Magnesium – Low levels of magnesium have been linked to cardiovascular disease therefore.

Fish Oils – Studies suggest that fish oils may play a cardioprotective role on the heart and vessels. Regular consumption may reduce death caused by heart disease.

HERBS
There are sooo many herbs to help with heart disease but a few specific ones are:
Crataegus spp – Research suggests that the leaves […]

By admin|November 1st, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Nutrition, Research, Uncategorized|0 Comments

Slow Cooked Organic Chicken with Aromatics

On a recent trip to Bangalow I had the luck of staying at a gorgeous farm right in the heart of Nashua. It was unexpectedly cold and each night we lit the open fire and enjoyed the novelty of crackling warmth. This kind of environment absolutely fuels my passion for cooking and I found myself wandering the Bangalow fresh produce markets early Sunday morning.
After talking to the seafood supplier, I discovered that this market has a very strict policy – each vendor must grow the produce they sell. I love this as it means I am directly giving my money to the producer and there is no middle man or food miles involved!
The produce was simply spectacular and a reflection of the high mineral content of the local area. From the deep green of the kale to the brilliant purple of fresh mulberries, it was hard not to buy everything in sight!
That night I made this very simple yet utterly delicious dish with my purchases.
Ingredients
Organic Chicken breast – I work with 120gr/person
1 onion
3 tomatoes
Fennel
Garlic
Chilli
Lemongrass
Ginger
Dill
Mint
1 cup white wine
Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Finely slice the garlic, chilli, dill, ginger and pound the lemongrass until it has broken. In a large baking dish add the chicken and marinate with extra virgin olive oil, the herbs and salt & pepper. Leave for 1 hour.
Add diced tomatoes, fennel cut into quarters and white wine. Cover with foil or a lid and put into an oven on 180C for half an hour, stirring every 10 minutes. To serve, add fresh mint and a side of quinoa.
Options
Add preserved lemons or shallots

By admin|October 7th, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

What Skincare Do I Use?

I am often asked by clients what I use on a daily basis so thought I would do an inventory and share the results. First of all, I only use organic and completely natural products.
I am really fussy about this and have been for a long time. The skin is our largest organ and easily absorbs what we put on topically.
During a ground breaking study in 2005 the Environmental Working Group (EWG) collaborated with researchers and studied the cord blood of newborns only to find an average of 200 chemicals were present. Of the total 287 chemicals found, 180 cause cancer in humans or animals while 208 cause birth defects in animal studies. Read more about this here. So it really is a no brainer – we must avoid these toxic chemicals wherever possible!
This means you need to reassess not just what you put on your skin topically but your home environment as well. If you need more convincing on this please read the brilliantly researched book “Slow Death by a Rubber Duck”.
One of my favourite resources is the EWG Skin Deep Database where you can look up a product and see exactly whether each ingredient is nasty or not. I also love the quick and easy reference book “The Chemical Maze” by Bill Statham which lists both alphabetically and numerically every chemical and if it is ok or toxic.
My Bathroom Stocktake

Use
What I Use

Deodorant
Weleda sage deoderant

Shampoo & Conditioner
Springfield’s

Soap
If I use it is goat’s milk soap that I buy at Orange Grove organic markets from the same man who makes the goats cheese!

Facial Cleaner
MV Skincare Gentle Cream Cleanser

Body Moisturiser
Coconut oil and […]

By admin|August 30th, 2011|Health & Wellbeing, Naturopathy, Sustainable and Green|0 Comments

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

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

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

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

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