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letsbeginwithin · 5 years ago

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Food is Medicine

One of my favourite quotes at the moment is “Don’t dig your own grave with your knife and fork”

Good nutrition and what you put into your body is the foundation for good health. “Food is Medicine” is a term which was originally coined by Hippocrates, the father of Western medicine; it was his belief that eating wholesome food is the basis for good health. Almost 2500 years ago Hippocrates said “Leave your drugs in the chemist’s pot if you can heal the patient with food.” We need to take this concept a step further and realise that food is not only medicine but information. Food is the information we need for each cell in our body to function optimally and replicate the blueprint for our bodies each day.

Hippocrates believed that illness stemmed from inadequate nutrition and bad eating habits, and that if people were to learn better eating habits then optimum health would be restored. Long before medicine was commonly used, tribal elders would seek out healing herbs and plants for their community and various foods would be applied prescriptively to bring about healing. Over many years man has moved away from the healing power of nature and towards prescribing packaged synthetic drugs and artificial remedies to deal with illness.

Because we have shifted away from natural remedies and whole foods, and many of us rely on a diet of processed, packaged and sugar-laden meals and snacks, rates of obesity and disease have increased significantly. As a species we are fatter and sicker than ever before.

If food has the power to prevent much of the chronic illness we experience today then it makes sense to alter our diets and use food to our advantage. Although taking pharmaceutical drugs for ailments may be useful, they often have short and long term side effects and contribute to the toxic build up in our bodies. While drugs are important in life threatening situations, if long term conditions can be managed with diet and lifestyle changes then using food as medicine must be considered as an initial way of tackling the issue and preventing future health problems.

Health practitioners and scientists are now uncovering the benefits of Nutrigenomics and the realisation that food is information that speaks to our genes and triggers messages that create health or disease.

Thinking about what is on your plate can help you to avoid specific illnesses that arise due to years of unhealthy eating. If you are already suffering, it is important to realise many conditions can be reversed, and health restored, by some fairly simple food choice changes. Even if you live on takeaway you can make healthier choices. More and more food services, restaurants, and other institutions are recognizing the need for wholesome food and are including healing foods as part of their menus, so nutritious food is not as hard to find as it once was.

Every meal that you consume influences the way that you feel one way or another, so the more nutritious foods you choose, the healthier you will be, and the better you will feel. Whole foods act as protection for your body and give the immune system a break from dealing with toxins, preservatives, additives and chemicals that are included in so many of today’s processed foods. We need to stop thinking of food as just fuel and start thinking of it as the most important resource we have for feeling as amazing as we were designed to feel. Most people have no idea what feeling amazing is! We function on autopilot and minimal nutrition day in and day out, relying on sugar and caffeine for energy boosts, preservatives and e numbers for convenience, trans fats and colourants for fun, and alcohol and more sugar for comfort, all the while growing sicker and fatter and conning ourselves that we feel amazing . Finally, when we admit we feel ill we get given pain killers, antidepressants, antacids, blood pressure tablets and a host of other drugs to take away our symptoms while we conscientiously ignore the cause.

If you are eating processed or nutrient empty food everyday with little or no nutrition, your body will not be receiving all of the nutrients it needs to function properly and health issues will arise. All that your body can operate on are the foods that you choose to put into it. Healthy nutrient-rich and whole foods help to heal the body at cellular level and build strong defences enabling you to combat illness and environmental toxins.

The first thing to think about if you’re planning on giving your diet an overhaul is to ensure that you have a healthy digestive system. This is essential to guarantee that you’re efficiently burning your food and effectively extracting the nutrients from it. Diseases are often associated with vitamin and mineral deficiencies or food sensitivities so having healthy digestion and knowing what foods work for you is really important.

You may want to consider a food elimination diet to find out which foods you may have a sensitivity or allergy too. For some people raw food, although perceived as healthy, is too harsh on their inflamed and delicate digestive systems and they may need to begin by incorporating a liquid diet such as juicing and eating soups and easily digestible foods until their gut heals.

Numerous foods have specific healing, antibiotic and antifungal properties. Particular chronic conditions such as arthritis and coeliac disease benefit from a specialized diet and avoiding particular foods. There are foods which reduce inflammation and ones that help lower cholesterol it’s always good to try and get the nutritional benefits from your food and not rely on synthetic supplements.

Fuelling up on super foods is a great way to provide the body with nutrients. It would be foolish to see some foods as so superior to others and hail them as super cures for all our ailments. The truth is every food is super in its own unique way, and we need to make sure we get as much variety in our diets to make use of all these amazing nutrients. This having been said, there are certain foods which are undoubtedly more nutrient dense and have amazing healing properties. Individual foods have their own unique set of nutrients to meet the needs of your body so eating a wide variety of foods ensures that you are getting the diverse range of nutrients, vitamins and minerals that you need. It is in grasping this concept that we can begin to understand the importance of food as information for our bodies and not just as energy.

Incorporating the seasons into your menu planning will benefit you so that you can enjoy fresh foods that are abundantly available. There is also a cost saving when you buy in season.

When it comes to buying healthily, the best way to shop is to think about where the food you are buying actually came from. Is it traceable, fresh and at its best? Is it packaged in plastic and boxes? Is it as close to its natural state as possible? Even though it takes a little longer when shopping, get used to reading labels and finding out exactly what is in the food. If it has more than six ingredients it’s probably not going to be that good for you. If it has ingredients you cannot pronounce, chances are your body does not need that ingredient and has no idea what to do with it!

For our ancestors, finding and eating food was a matter of survival. Many hours of the day were spent in the pursuit and eating of food. In the modern world, much of the hunting and gathering is done for us. Very few hours or, for some people, minutes are spent gathering, preparing, or eating food we eat with a sad automaticity and little insight into how critical a role it plays for us in sustaining life and also in sustaining health.

If we understand how specific foods impact our body then we can make better choices about the foods we buy and eat. In other words, when we know better we can do better, and feel better.

DIGESTION

It is really important that we recognise that many external factors play a role in digestion

When our bodies perceive a threat, a whole range of physiological reactions occur within seconds. Our bodies move into a state of readiness, a chemical version of "code red." You may have heard of the "fight or flight response," also known as the stress response. When our bodies are in this state, the following processes occur:

The Sympathetic nervous system is stimulated

The Parasympathetic nervous system is over-ridden

Pupils dilate

Blood pressure rises

Digestion is suppressed

Immunity is suppressed

Detoxification is suppressed

Gradual demineralization of bone begins

Impairment of fatty acid metabolism

Glucose is released

Cholesterol is released

Hormones become deranged

Muscle is broken down and fluid is retained

Fat is deposited

Inflammatory mediators are stimulated

Mood fluctuations occur

When the body is in the middle of the fight or flight response, it gives very little priority to digestion and the whole digestive system is put on hold.

Because the digestive system is shut down, fewer digestive enzymes are released and less hydrochloric acid is secreted to aid in the breakdown of carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Without stomach acid, many vitamins and minerals can't be broken down, liberated, or absorbed. The cells' ability to metabolize fatty acids is also impaired. Instead, the body tends to break down muscle and replace it with stored fat and excess fluid. Over time, this can cause weight gain. In addition, excess glucose is released into the blood stream to provide additional energy. The pancreas then releases additional insulin to deliver the excess glucose. Some researchers believe this can create cravings for foods that are high in sugar.

You might think that the stress response doesn't really apply because you don't eat much when you are stressed. But distraction can act just like stress in terms of the impact on your digestive system. Your body perceives distraction as stress!

A 1987 study, published in the journal Gastroenterology, illustrates how metabolism and digestion are altered under distraction and stimuli. In this study, participants consumed a mineral drink while they were in a relaxed state. Researchers found that participants absorbed 100 % of the drink's nutrients in this relaxed state.

Then the participants were asked to concentrate as two different people spoke to them simultaneously. In one ear, someone spoke about intergalactic space travel, while in the other ear, someone spoke about financial planning. When the subjects were exposed to this listening conflict and given the same mineral mix, they showed a significant reduction in assimilation that lasted up to an hour afterward.

The simple act of attending to two stimuli at once dramatically altered their metabolism, even though we might not normally consider this to be very stressful. Consider that people often read the newspaper, scroll on their phones, watch TV, or drive a car while eating. These distracting stimuli can to some degree impair the body’s ability to digest and absorb effectively.

The bottom line is: if you are eating while overloaded with stimuli and under stress, your body doesn't know that it's supposed to be digesting. As you dash out the door in the morning, toast in hand, or eat lunch in front of a computer screen, or when anxiously worrying about the day or experiencing negative emotions tied to a relationship, the message you are giving your body is "don't digest."

To your body, these stimuli, while not as dramatic or intense as being chased by a Saber-toothed tiger, are still being registered as an emergency. So you can experience digestive symptoms, such as heartburn, a feeling of food just sitting in your stomach, bloating and stomach pain. The nutritional value of even the healthiest meal is diminished because the digestive system isn't functioning optimally to absorb the nutrients, so consider this in relation to our stressful, distracted lives and the nutrient poor meals we are consuming. Interestingly it has been shown that stress also inhibits concentration, memory, and reason, which can further impact your planning and choice of food.

Our food preferences and choices are now influenced more by food companies, ad campaigns, and the notion that "faster is better." We don't always choose foods based on what our bodies need for optimal wellness. Our busy lives and consequent stress prevent us from taking the time to really nourish our bodies. We eat for convenience, not for health.

Dietary changes and whole food supplements can reverse common ailments better than drugs. Red onions, for example, are good for eczema. Olives, ginger and turmeric help relieve arthritic pain. Broccoli improves memory, while oats, cinnamon and chromium can decrease the effects of diabetes.

Half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day can significantly reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, and is good for non-diabetics who have blood sugar problems but are unaware of it. (The most common symptom of which is chronic tiredness and energy slumps or feeling faint, a common complaint of many of us.) In one study all diabetics responded to the cinnamon within weeks, with blood sugar levels 20 per cent lower on average than those of a control group. Some of the volunteers taking cinnamon achieved normal blood sugar levels. That is completely life changing and indeed life-saving!

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

When I talk about vitamins and minerals I am talking about those naturally occurring in our food. Proteins, carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables all contain a range of these vital micronutrients. Many of us have begun to think we can purchase our health in little bottles from the supermarket. Multivitamins and many of the vitamins and minerals available are nothing more than processed micronutrients. They are man- made approximations of the micronutrients found in food and have been proven to do more long term damage than good.

Below are some examples of the role vitamins and minerals play in your body:

Vitamin C:

Prevent cell damage from free radicals

Boosts iron absorption

Enhances immune function, which increases resistance to disease

Promotes healthy gums and wound healing

Resolves bruising and recurrent infections

Sources of vitamin C: citrus fruits, tomatoes, green leafy vegetables, parsley, cabbage, asparagus, avocados, cantaloupe, currants, mangos, kiwi, papaya, peppers, pineapple, and strawberries.

Vitamin A:

Prevents cell damage from free radicals

Maintains the tissue of the skin and gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts

Enhances immune function natural killer cells and T-cells

Heightens resistance to infection

Sources of Vitamin A: carrots, apricots, sweet potatoes, yellow squash, pumpkin, watercress, Swiss chard, greens, eggs, fish liver oil, milk, and cheese.

Folic acid, Vitamin B-6 and Vitamin B-12 (three of the B-vitamins) :

Vital for central nervous function

Necessary for immune system function

Needed for the metabolism of amino acids and the synthesis of proteins

Used in managing elevated homocysteine (an independent risk factor for heart disease)

Sources of B-vitamins: meat, fish, chicken, seafood, dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.

PHYTONUTRIENTS

In addition to vitamins and minerals, plants contain compounds called phytonutrients (sometimes referred to as phytochemicals). Essentially, these compounds are the plants' protection. A plant cannot fight or flee, so it is equipped with "phyto" or plant nutrients that defend against disease, blight, radiation, weather, insects and anything else that may threaten the plant's survival.

When we eat the plants, we not only benefit from the vitamin and mineral content of the plant, but from the protection these phytonutreints provide. Phytonutrients are considered anti-inflammatory and have been shown to possess anti-cancer properties, repair DNA damage, aid detoxification, enhance immunity, and influence insulin glucose balance.

Hundreds of phytonutrients have been discovered thus far. Because fruits and vegetables contain different amounts of these beneficial compounds, it is best to eat a variety of plants. At the moment our guideline of eating 5 fruit and vegetable servings per day is astonishingly low. 8 to 13 would be getting closer to where we need to be aiming.

Some fruits and vegetables particularly rich in Phytonutrients include:

Cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, kale, cauliflower and turnips all contain the phytonutrient indole-3-carbinol.

Oranges, tangerines, lemons, and limes all contain a flavonoid called limonene.

Grapes, apples, cherries, blueberries, and raspberries contain anthocyanins.

Onions and garlic contain the phytonutrient quercitin.

Tomatoes, red pepper, watermelon and radishes all contain lycopene.

Peaches, carrots, apricots, pumpkin, squash; the phytonutrient carotinoids

Swiss chard, kale, parsley contain the phytonutrient lutein

We have discussed the micronutrient content of our food at length, but to put everything into perspective we also need to give a quick thought to the three main groups of food we eat and the basic function of each.

CARBOHYDRATES Carbohydrates include breads, rice, grains, fruits and vegetables. This major group of foods is all broken down in our bodies to eventually form sugars. We get our energy and a lot of our micronutrients from this group of foods. It is of vital importance which carbohydrates we choose. Carbohydrates are divided into whole grain and unrefined, unprocessed products and refined or processed products. Whole grain products take longer to be digested by the body and contain many vital nutrients… think Buckwheat, Quinoa, fruits, vegetables and berries. Processed and refined carbohydrates are digested and absorbed rapidly and contain very few essential nutrients and form sugar in the body quickly, playing havoc with our blood sugar levels and hormones. Think fizzy drinks, white bread, pastries, baked goods and confectionary. What is the role of whole grains?

Whole grains have long been recognized as containing beneficial nutrients vital to a healthy diet. Whole grains include vitamins and minerals, (which are stripped out during food processing and may or may not be replaced by manufacturers supplementing the final product of processed or refined carbohydrate products). Whole grains also include fibre, (which is not replaced when refined), and which offer many essential benefits. Whole grains provide information and materials to help the body do the following:

Regulate blood sugar (because complex carbohydrates are metabolized more slowly)

Aid digestion by producing good bacteria in the gut

Control appetite (because the fibre in the grains signals satiety-the sense of being full)

Reduce cholesterol

Remove toxins (because fibre binds to toxins in the gut and removes them during elimination)

Improve digestive system function

Synthesize neurotransmitters (the chemical messengers made by the body, such as serotonin for sleep and mood)

It is important to note here that many of us do not tolerate certain grains well and it is important to try and ascertain which grains you do tolerate. Speak to someone about an elimination diet if you are at all concerned that you may have a wheat sensitivity or intolerance.

PROTEIN

Less is known about protein and its relationship to health and disease than fats or carbohydrates. It is known that protein is abundant in the body and regulates multiple messengers that keep us functioning. Protein provides the body with amino acids, which we need daily because the body does not store them. Proteins provide information to help the body do the following:

Regulate blood sugar and insulin balance

Produce hormones that regulate mood and sleep

Detoxify (during the second phase of detoxification in the liver, protein attaches to waste molecules and escorts them out of the body)

Make connective tissue for skin, cartilage and bone

Build muscle

Promote wound healing

Aid adrenal and thyroid function

Produce and maintain a feeling of satiety (feeling full)

Good sources of protein include:

Fish, poultry, meats

Eggs

Goat's milk and cheeses

Cow's milk and cheese

Yogurt

Tofu and other soy foods

Soy based meat substitutes

Peanut and other nut butters

All nuts and seeds

Dried and canned beans, peas, lentils

Get a good mix of proteins, both animal (unless vegetarian) and plant. Eating a variety of proteins will ensure that you get all of the amino acids (building blocks of protein) you need. Try to buy 100% grass-fed meats because they are more anti-inflammatory than corn-fed. .Include beans, soy, nuts, which offer protein with plenty of healthy fibre and micronutrients.

FATS AND OILS For a long time we have been led to believe that fat is bad for us. Clever marketing and the booming Diet-Industry has taken full advantage of this mis-information. The products that sprung up in the wake of the dieting revolution promised everything was low fat, zero fat, skinny, light, low calorie, and an entire generation of believers was born. Our already processed food was further processed to remove the fat. The truth is our bodies require some fat to be healthy and scientific consensus is that eating the right kind of fats is more important to health and the prevention of disease than worrying about the total amount of fat that we are consuming. Fats provide information to help the body do the following:

Provide insulation for the organs

Transport fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K)

Provide materials critical to the integrity of cellular membranes

Lubricate mucous membranes and skin

Provide materials used to make hormones

Utilize glucose more effectively

Contribute to healthy joints

Enjoy efficient gut health

Facilitate immune system function

Increase or decrease inflammation (depending on type of fat). Generally we want to eat fats that decrease inflammation, such as oils from plants, nuts, and seeds and fats from fish whose diet is made up of algae (these all contain a predominance of omega 3 fatty acids).

Some interesting facts that have emerged include that the type and not the amount of fat woman ate influenced their cholesterol levels and that cod-liver oil supplements allowed patients to gradually reduce and in some case stop their NSAID medications because the cod liver oil had anti-inflammatory effects similar to the NSAIDs and none of the side effects, which range from gastro-intestinal symptoms, kidney problems and gastric bleeding to seizures.

Sources of beneficial fats include:

Flaxseed

Salmon

Mackerel

Sardines

Herring

Anchovies

Lake trout

Tuna

Pumpkins seeds

Cereal grasses, such as wheat or barley grass

Dark green vegetables

Soybeans

Tofu

Walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds

Omega-3 enriched eggs

TOXINS

Humans are at the top of the food chain. Because of this, we are generally not exposed to a single toxin at a time, but to a complex mixture of toxins. This includes pesticides and other environmental chemicals from multiple sources: animals and what they've consumed, plants and their exposure to chemicals, as well as our direct contact with contaminants in the soil, water, and air. It is largely unknown how these multiple toxins interact with one another and where the threshold for simultaneous exposures or cumulative effects might be.

How an individual's body handles exposure to toxins determines the health of the body. Excess toxins may make it difficult for the body to properly carry out essential functions.

Fortunately our bodies are equipped with a detoxification system designed to manage toxins and help maintain health when exposed to harmful substances. This system converts toxic substances to nontoxic substances and excretes them, primarily in the intestines, the liver, and the kidneys (although many other tissues are involved).

Toxicity occurs when the detoxification system becomes overloaded with more toxins than can be eliminated. There are many signs that the body's natural detoxification system may be overloaded; these signs include fatigue, headaches, muscle pain, digestive problems and skin rashes.

For centuries, many cultures have promoted detoxification for healing and religious purposes. In today's culture, this concept may also be a matter of necessity. Because of the daily bombardment from an increasing number of toxins in our external environment (including additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients in processed foods), our detoxification system's capacity to handle these toxins may be surpassed.

Minimizing exposure to toxins is important, but equally, if not more important, is the role diet plays in combating toxicity. Nutrients can provide information and materials to the detoxification system so it functions optimally. By making dietary and lifestyle changes, you can not only decrease toxic load, but also increase the ability of the body to clear toxins.

How you can feed your detoxification system

You can increase the ability of your body to convert toxins to non-toxic substances and to eliminate toxins by doing the following:

Drink extra water.

Consume a balanced diet of whole foods, colourful fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, squash, blueberries, citrus, beets, dandelion greens, artichokes, pomegranate, and carrots. These foods are filled with phytonutrients and have been shown to boost detoxification.

Eat celery- a powerful detoxifying food that provides phytonutrients that benefit the liver's ability to detoxify.

Include the following foods containing antioxidants (vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium): beets, broccoli, asparagus, swiss chard, kale, peaches, red peppers, papayas, parsley, carrots, apricots, alfalfa, avocados, cantaloupe, and green leafy vegetables. Antioxidants are necessary for neutralizing free radicals.

Add whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats to aid elimination.

Add legumes, such as black beans, white beans, chickpeas, and lentils as soluble fibre to aid in elimination.

Increase protein intake from sources like soy, eggs, nuts, and seeds. Also choose lean grass-fed beef and free-range, natural poultry. Protein is essential to the second phase of detoxification, during which protein in the liver attaches to molecules the body is getting rid of and escorts them out of the body.

Include adequate B-vitamins from whole grains, nuts, seeds, and seafood. B-vitamins are needed for the initiation of the detoxification system.

Include probiotics to promote gut health.

Foods to avoid or minimize as they add to the toxic load or burden of the detoxification system.

Avoid processed foods containing additives and preservatives

Avoid artificial sweeteners and corn syrup

Avoid hydrogenated vegetable oil

Minimize red meats, sugar, salt, caffeine, and nicotine.

Reduce refined or non-whole grain products

Reduce alcohol consumption

Some of the most powerful medicines on the planet are found in foods and spices. They have been used since time immemorial to both nourish our bodies, and to prevent and treat disease. So valued were these in ancient times that they were worth their weight in gold, and entire civilizations either rose to great power or collapsed as a result of their relationship to them.

What is even more amazing is that many of these "plant allies" are found growing in our backyards, and often sitting there in our refrigerators and spice racks, neglected and under- appreciated. In fact, many of us use these daily, unaware that this is why we don't get sick as often as those who do not incorporate them into their diet. Let's look at a few examples....

Garlic

With the increasing prevalence of multi-drug resistant bacteria, spices have regained their once universal reign as broad spectrum infection-fighters with sometimes life-saving power. Garlic has several hundred therapeutic properties, confirmed by a growing body of scientific research. One example of Garlic’s power is in killing multi-drug resistant Tuberculosis. It has also been demonstrated to inhibit the following pathogens :

Amoeba Entamoeba histolytica (parasite)

Cholera

Clostridium

Cytomegalovirus

Dermatophytoses (a type of topical fungal infection)

Haemophilus Influenzae

Helicobacter Pylori

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1

Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2

Klebsiella

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus A. (MRSA)

Parainfluenza Virus

Peridontal Infection

Pneumococcal Infections

Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Streptococcus Mutans

Streptococcus Infections: Group A

Streptococcus Infections: Group B

Streptococcus pyrogenes

Thrush (oral fungal infection)

Honey

Bees produce a wide range of therapeutic substances including propolis, royal jelly, pollen and beeswax., but honey is the most well-known and most copiously consumed of them all. Honey is one of nature's most powerful healing agents. Honey’s more scientifically researched health benefits and applications include:

Aspirin-Induced Gastrointestinal Toxicity (honey coats the delicate linings of the stomach, preventing aspirin-induced lesions and bleeding)

Bacterial Infections

Burns

Candida infection (despite the fact that honey contains sugar, it demonstrates anti-fungal properties)

Conjunctivitis

Dental plaque (a recent study showed that Manuka honey was a viable alternative to chemical mouthwash in dissolving dental plaque)

Dermatitis

Diabetic Ulcer

Herpes-related ulcers

MRSA (especially Manuka honey)

Apples

It appears that, in fact, an apple a day does keep the doctor away, especially cancer specialists it would seem. For instance, one of the most well-established health benefits of consuming apples is to reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. The more apples you consume, the less likely you are to develop this potentially fatal disease. There are many studies which now site Apples having positive or beneficial effects on the following:

Aging

Allergies

Allopecia (Hair Loss)

Diarrhea

Insulin Resistance

Liver Cancer

Radiation Induced Illness

Staphylococcol Infection

Sunlight

Sunlight possesses energy and information and has real metabolic value for us. It is a source of usable energy for the body – and so, in a very real sense it can be considered a form of food that we consume through our skin. Not only does adequate sunlight exposure result in the production of vitamin D, a hormone-like substance that regulates over 2,000 genes in the human body -- and as a result prevents or ameliorates hundreds of vit D associated deficiencies and deficiency associated health conditions, but sunlight exposure itself has a unique set of health benefits not reducible to simply vitamin D production alone. One of the more interesting studies performed on sunlight exposure, showed that there was a strong inverse correlation with solar UVB for 15 types of cancer, with weaker, though still significant evidence for the protective role of sunlight in 9 other cancers. Here are some additional conditions that are benefitted by some sunlight exposure:

Alzheimer's Disease

Depression

Dopamine Deficiency

Dermatitis

Influenza

Multiple Sclerosis

Psoriasis

Tumeric

Tumeric is quite possibly the world's most important herb. Named Kanchani, which means Golden Goddess, in the ancient Indian healing tradition, its healing properties have been deeply appreciated for centuries. Turmeric has been scientifically documented to have over 500 applications in disease prevention and treatment. It also has been shown to modulate over 150 distinct biological and genetic/epigenetic pathways of value in health, demonstrating a complexity as well as gentleness that no drug on the planet has ever been shown to possess.

Some of these conditions and diseases include:

Oxidative Stress

Inflammation

DNA Damage

Lipid Peroxidation

Colorectal Cancer

Breast Cancer

Colon Cancer

Chemically-Induced Liver Damage

Alzheimer's Disease

Tumours

The take home from all of this is to eat a fresh, varied, whole food diet making sure to include as wide a variety of fruits and vegetables as possible. Aim to minimise or eliminate processed and toxic foods. To boost the intake of fruits and vegetables consider tsking a whole food supplement . By far the best in the world is this one https://beginwithin.juiceplus.com/gb/en/shop/capsules/premium-capsules?_ga=2.198705519.1702058392.1598015111-1197074519.1589190552 which effectively bridges the gap between what we do eat and what we should eat.

Please feel free to contact me on [email protected] if you have any questions.

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letsbeginwithin · 5 years ago

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Alpha and Omega

Further to the post on healthy fats I thought it important that I say something specifically about the Omega-3’s and why we need them. The human body can make most of the types of fats it needs from other fats or raw materials. That isn’t the case for omega-3 fatty acids. These are essential fats: in other words, it is ESSENTIAL that we consume foods containing this kind of oil—the body can’t make them from scratch but must get them from food. Foods high in Omega-3 include fish, algae, vegetable oils, nuts (especially walnuts), flax seeds, flaxseed oil, and leafy vegetables.

Symptoms of an Omega-3 deficiency include

1. Fatigue

2. Dry skin and eyes

3. Poor sleep

4. Poor concentration

5. Joint pain

6. Thin hair

7. Irregular or rapid heart beat

The roles of Omega-3 Fatty acids

1. Form an integral part of cell membranes throughout the body and affect the function of the cell receptors in these membranes.

2. They provide the starting point for making hormones that regulate blood clotting, contraction and relaxation of artery walls, and inflammation.

3. They also bind to receptors in cells that regulate genetic function.

It is likely that due to these functions that omega-3 fats have been shown to help prevent heart disease and stroke, may help control lupus, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis, and may play protective roles in cancer and other conditions.

There are three forms of Omega-3 fats

1. EPA

2. DHA

3. ALA

The first two mainly come from Marine animals or algae and ALA mainly comes from vegetable oil

The Omega-3 fatty acids help the heart to beat regularly, they also lower blood pressure and heart rate, improve blood vessel function, and, at higher doses, lower *triglycerides and may ease inflammation. The Omega-3’s have also been shown to support Mental health, reduce weight, promote bone health, prevent Dementia, decrease the symptoms of Asthma and are crucial for infant brain development.

*Triglycerides are the fats the body forms when we eat more calories than we need. In other words, triglycerides are a form of storage fat. They travel in the blood and can then be stored in our fat cells. Having a high level of triglycerides can increase the chances of having a heart attack.

On a personal level since I have started taking the Omega Blend the pain I experience from ME and Fibromyalgia has further reduced.

https://beginwithin.juiceplus.com/gb/en/shop/capsules/omega-blends

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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Coconut Sugar vs Sugar Sugar

The harmful effects of sugar and high fructose corn syrup are becoming increasingly more evident, but because of our love-affair with sweetness we are constantly on the lookout for a replacement!

Coconut sugar (also called Coconut palm sugar) is becoming increasingly more common. The sugar derived from the Coconut palm is said to more nutritious and have a lower glycemic index than table sugar. Please don’t confuse this with Palm sugar which is made from yet another kind of palm tree. Coconut sugar is made when the sap is collected from the flower of the coconut palm and then heated to remove any excess water. It looks a little like brown sugar granules on completion.

We often refer to table sugar and high fructose corn syrup as an empty calorie foods as they contain absolutely no other vital nutrients. I wouldn’t even refer to them as foods at all. They are filler and sweetener at best. Coconut sugar does contain a low percentage of some nutrients for example Iron, Zinc, Calcium and Potassium, along with some short chain fatty acids, polyphenols and antioxidants. It also contains a fibre called Inulin which may account for the fact that it is absorbed slightly more slowly than table sugar. Inulin is also a prebiotic and so supports friendly gut bacteria. Coconut sugar provides the same amount of calories as table sugar.

The problem comes in when we consider this… Table sugar is not bad for us just because it is empty calories and has a high GI. It is bad for us because it is 50% fructose. Coconut sugar (although sometimes advertised as fructose free) is anything but Fructose free. Coconut sugar is 70-80% sucrose and sucrose is 50% fructose. Does that make sense?

Why are we concerned about Fructose? Fructose is handled by the body in a different way to glucose as it is metabolized in the liver. As a result, blood glucose levels do not rise as rapidly after fructose consumption compared to other simple sugars. When you eat too much fructose the liver cannot process it fast enough and instead it starts to make fats, which are carried in the bloodstream and stored as triglycerides - the body’s main form of fat. Studies have shown that the consumption of large amounts of fructose may lead to increased appetite by decreasing the body’s ability to use insulin and allowing too much circulating ghrelin. Simply put, Fructose will make you hungry! And this forms a part of the craving cycle.

Coconut sugar is similar to table sugar in composition and if eaten in excess will bring about the same metabolic problems as table sugar, it is however slightly less processed and does have some micronutrient content, but one would have to eat it in vast quantities for these nutrients to be of significant benefit. It should be used as sparingly as I would suggest sugar be used and be considered as a slightly healthier alternative like we use honey.

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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PRO AND PREBIOTICS

I have mentioned PROBIOTICS before in connection with IBS and CANDIDA but at our wellness group the other evening the question came up as to what a prebiotic is as apposed to a probiotic. Just to clear this up :

Prebiotics and probiotics are not the same, although they both help to enhance the growth of healthy bacteria in the body and aid healthy digestion.

PROBIOTICS are types of LIVING HELPFUL bacteria similar to those that inhabit our digestive tract. A typical healthy adult carries around 500 strains of these helpful bacteria (about 4lbs!), many of which play important roles in digesting food and maintaining a healthy immune system.They are also naturally found in cultured or fermented foods such as yoghurt, buttermilk, aged cheese, sauerkraut, sourdough bread, miso, tempeh and kombucha. Thay can also be taken in supplement form. Probiotics help to maintain healthy levels of good bacteria in the intestines, they support our immune system, are useful for anyone suffering from the uncomfortable symptoms of bloating, gas or wind and may assist in decreasing the duration of diarrhoea. They may also help to restore good bacteria after a course of antibiotics. Antibiotics are one of the friendly gut bacteria’s worst nightmares! Antibiotics are lifesavers, but they also come with serious side effects that should not be ignored. Broad spectrum antibiotics do exactly what they are designed to do – kill bacteria. But the problem is that not all the bacteria in your body are harmful. There are many different types of probiotics and each behaves a little differently. You might be familiar with lactobacillus acidophilus and bifidibacterium lactis, which are often found in yoghurt and supplements.

PREBIOTICS are ‘non‐living’ food ingredients that reach the large intestine unaffected by digestion, and ‘feed’ the good bacteria in our gut helping them to grow and flourish. Prebiotics such as fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and galacto‐oligosaccharides (GOS) are naturally found in many foods including:

Legumes Whole wheat products Rye based foods Artichokes Onions Cabbage Garlic and Chicory root

So, simply put the prebiotics feed the probiotics which help us to maintain a healthy gut!

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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http://teamjp.net/power/index.html

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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Killing Cancer an article by Jeff Witzerman

So . . . It Turns Out Cancer Can Be Killed After All “Your lives are going to change forever,” the Urologist told us after removing a golf ball sized tumor from my wife’s bladder. “The cancer has spread into the muscle wall and the only course of action is to remove the bladder. We will have to attach a tube to the kidneys that comes out the side of her body and drains into a bag that she will wear for the rest of her life, much like a colostomy bag. The other option would be to create a neo bladder out of intestinal material, but that has more drawbacks.” We went home and digested what we had been told. New levels of shock and fear descended upon us as we tried to cope with the news. My wife is only 53, how is this possible? As we spoke with family, we were reminded that Kerry’s (my wife) sister and nephew had traveled to Germany to treat their cancer naturopathically, both successfully without surgery or chemotherapy; one stage 4 Melanoma and the other stage 3 squamous cell throat cancer. They had been cancer free for 4 and 3 years respectively. When we met with our USC Keck Medicine Urologist and asked him about this alternative, he looked us straight in the eye and said, “There is NO way you could deal with this cancer over there. The type of cancer you have is squamous cell and it is FAR to aggressive.” Now came the hard part. We had to research naturopathic cancer treatment . . . what is it? For whom is it successful? Why if it works are so few using it? Are we risking our lives to do it? It had worked for Kerry’s two family members, but what if her cancer was different? First thing we did was contact the treatment facility that was used, Infusio, and asked them if they treated squamous cell bladder cancer . . . they did, and quite successfully! They used heat and oxygen to kill it, and then vitamins, minerals and amino acids to strengthen the immune system, which kills the cancer as well. It turns out cancer cannot survive in certain environments, if you starve it, it has nothing to feed on and killing it becomes relatively easy. Cancer thrives on sugar, so the first thing Kerry did was pursue an aggressive diet heavy in fruits and vegetables with no refined sugar. Second, cancer cannot survive in a temperature exceeding 105 degrees Fahrenheit so Infusio uses a hyperthermia machine to direct the heat to one specific area in the body to fry the cancer cells while preserving all the normal cells around it. Third, blood is drawn out of the body, filled with oxygen and then re-inserted thereby creating an oxygen filled environment that cancer hates. Then finally they give daily drips 5 days a week, for a month, to detoxify the body and boost the immune system, things like Dioxychlor, GC-MAF, Vitamin B-17, Selenium, DMSO, and the ground up thymus of an organically fed cow. We didn’t look back. We got right on a plane and started our adventure in Frankfurt, Germany. The treatment facility was more like a spa, with nice music, healthy green juice, and a relaxed environment. The cost was $28,000 roughly . . . a bargain considering what we would spend in co-pays for years of chemotherapy, drugs, and surgery, not to mention the treatment of infections. But for us the questions persisted: How could we live in a country (the U.S.) that systematically cut, maimed, and killed it’s people with treatment methods that did not work? Why on earth would chemotherapy and drugs be the go to option when chemotherapy destroys everything around it, not just the cancer? Why destroy the immune system with chemotherapy thus leaving the body WEAKER and less able to fight off the second wave of cancer cells? What we found was that the FDA bans everything in the States that conflicts with chemotherapy and chemo drugs because that’s where the money is . . . well over $125 Billion a year. Go ahead and Google any of the above mentioned naturopathic treatments and you can read about the history of DMSO and Dioxychlor and how they were banned because it was impossible to get patents on them and patents are where the drug industry makes their billions. I stayed with Kerry for the first week in Frankfurt, Germany and then let her finish the month out on her own. When she returned she felt wonderful, no pain associated with a naturopathic treatment. We then selected a new Western Medicine Urologist who was open to naturopathic treatment and had all the tests done including putting a scope in to view the bladder as well as an MRI to analyze all the layers including the muscle wall. What we found was none of the original cancer. Everything was clean. There was a small polyp that could easily be lasered off, but not a single trace of the squamous cell carcinoma!!! Kerry continues to use food as medicine by aggressively pursuing a diet rich with fruits and vegetables, grains and a handful of animal or fish protein a day. Sugar is out save a glass of wine now and then. She will have to cut back on stress by trying to say no to anything pushing her beyond her limits. We know we are not out of the woods; cancer likes to come back. But we have learned something that did change our lives forever: Cancer can be killed! Chemotherapy and radiation are extremely ineffective. All one has to do is Google alternative or naturopathic cancer treatment and they will get a number of treatment facilities in both the United States and abroad. For additional research I highly recommend two websites that were invaluable in our education and confidence. . . Cancertutor.com and Thetruthaboutcancer.com. Both are goldmines for alternative treatment rationale and ideas.

an article by Jeff Witzerman

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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DIABESITY

The rapid increase in the prevalence of obesity, type-2 diabetes and associated complications is now so vast and encompassing that it has its own label. It is called DIABESITY and it is a major global health problem. “It’s almost impossible to overstate how serious and far-reaching a problem Diabesity is. It affects more than one billion people worldwide, including 100 million Americans and 50% of Americans over 65. Recent statistics suggest that Diabesity may already be the leading cause of chronic disease and death in the world, and its impact is expected to rise dramatically in the next 25 years.” Diabesity can also be referred to as “insulin resistance syndrome” and the symptoms include high blood triglycerides, low HDL levels, elevated blood pressure, central obesity ( the belly fat or spare tyre you are carrying around your middle) and elevated blood pressure.

SO WHAT IS GOING ON?

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas and its main role is to regulate the amount of glucose circulating in the bloodstream. Although insulin is mostly implicated in blood sugar management, it also affects fat and protein metabolism making it incredibly important in the functioning of our metabolisms. See this link for further information: http://letsbeginwithin.tumblr.com/post/111602609120/some-sugar-terminology

When we eat a meal that contains carbohydrate, the amount of sugar in our bloodstream increases. This increase in blood sugar is sensed by the cells in the pancreas, which respond by releasing insulin into the blood. Under normal conditions the Insulin in our bloodstream acts on the cells to allow the removal of glucose from the bloodstream and into the cells where it is required for energy. The Insulin is like a key which opens the door between the bloodstream and the cells and ultimately leads to reduced amounts of sugar in the blood. This is important, because high amounts of sugar in the blood can have toxic effects, causing severe harm and potentially leading to death if untreated. Due to various reasons, which we will discuss shortly, sometimes the cells stop responding to the insulin like they are supposed to and we call this INSULIN RESISTANCE. Insulin resistance may cause a variety of diseases, including heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer. When our cells become Insulin resistant the pancreas starts producing even more insulin to try and bring the blood sugar levels down. This leads to high insulin levels in the blood, termed hyperinsulinaemia. This resistance may continue to develop for a long time. The cells become increasingly more insulin resistant, and both insulin and blood sugar levels continue to rise. Eventually the pancreas can become damaged resulting in decreased insulin production but very high levels of sugar in the blood. When this happens TYPE II Diabetes is diagnosed. The body is no longer able to control the levels of sugar in the bloodstream.

There are many factors which lead a person to developing Insulin resistance. The main causes are obesity and increased body fat, especially in the stomach area. Other factors include high sugar intake, inflammation, inactivity and genetics.

1. Weight gain and Obesity: An increase of circulating fat in the bloodstream has been shown to interfere with Insulin activity. Having increased belly fat and fat that builds up around the organs, seems to be very important. This type of fat may release lots of free fatty acids into the blood, and can even release inflammatory hormones that drive insulin resistance. Normal weight or thin people can also be insulin resistant; it is just much more common among those who are overweight.

2. Inflammation: Increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the body may lead to insulin resistance. See this link: http://letsbeginwithin.tumblr.com/post/119356035045/the-body-never-lies

3. Inactivity: Physical activity increases insulin sensitivity

4. Fructose: A high intake of fructose (from added sugar) has been linked to insulin resistance in both rats and humans see this link for an explanation: http://letsbeginwithin.tumblr.com/post/111602609120/some-sugar-terminology

5. Gut microbes: There is evidence that a disruption in the bacterial environment in the gut can cause inflammation that exacerbates insulin resistance.

The good news about insulin resistance, is that it is very easy to influence it. In fact by changing your lifestyle it is possible to completely reverse insulin resistance in many cases.

1. Exercise: This may be the single easiest way to improve insulin sensitivity. The effect is almost immediate.

2. Lose belly fat: Try to lose some fat, especially fat from your belly. This will result in a loss of fat from around your internal organs too.

3. Stop Smoking: Smoking can cause insulin resistance, so stopping or cutting down should help.

4. Sugar: Try to reduce your intake of added sugars, especially from foods and drinks with added sugar and foods and drinks which contain Fructose and high Fructose corn syrup.

5. Follow a healthy balanced diet: Eat whole, unprocessed foods. Include nuts, vegetables, lean meat, chicken and fatty fish.

6. Supplements: Taking whole food supplements https://beginwithin.juiceplus.com/gb/en

7. Sleep: There is some evidence that poor sleep patterns cause insulin resistance. Try to make sure you get 7-8 hours of restorative sleep every night in a dark, well ventilated room.

8. Stress: This almost goes without saying! Stress and lack of sleep both interfere with Cortisol levels in the blood. The altered Cortisol levels lead to weight gain and eventually insulin resistance. Try to manage your stress levels!

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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The Body Never Lies

Chronic inflammation is thought to play a role in obesity, heart disease, and cancer. Inflammation is part of the body’s normal immune response; without it, we can't heal. But when it's out of control, as in rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease or irritable bowel syndrome, it can damage the body. The real concern is not our response to immediate injury or infection. It is the chronic inflammation that is slowly destroying our organs and our ability to function optimally and leading to rapid aging that we need to address. Things that cause inflammation in our bodies include:

• A Poor diet—mostly sugar, refined flours, processed foods, and inflammatory fats such as trans and saturated fats • Lack of exercise • Stress • Hidden or chronic infections with viruses, bacteria, yeasts, or parasites • Hidden allergens from food or the environment • Toxins such as mercury and pesticides • Moulds, toxins and allergens

Foods that are high in sugars and saturated fat can increase the body’s inflammatory response and over activate the immune system, which can lead to joint pain, fatigue, and damage to the blood vessels,” says Scott Zashin, MD, clinical professor at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Other foods may calm or even switch off inflammation. These are the foods we should be concentrating on.

Oily fish, like salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines, are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to help reduce inflammation. To get the benefits, however, you need to eat fish several times a week, and it should be cooked in healthy ways. If you are not a fan of fish you should consider taking fish-oil supplements. They can cut inflammation. Please make sure it is the omega 3 fatty acids you are getting as omega6 fatty acids increase inflammation (see blog on fats)

Studies have suggested that vitamin E may play a key role in protecting the body from pro-inflammatory molecules called cytokines. Look to your dark green vegetables to get this vitamin (spinach, kale, broccoli, and collard greens). Dark greens and cruciferous vegetables also tend to have higher concentrations of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and disease-fighting phytonutrients than those with lighter-coloured leaves. (see blog on phytonutrients) Another source of inflammation-fighting healthy fats are nuts—particularly almonds, which are rich in fibre, calcium, and vitamin E, and walnuts, which have high amounts of alpha-linoleic acid, a type of omega-3 fat. All nuts, though, are packed with antioxidants, which can help your body fight off and repair the damage caused by inflammation. Nuts (along with fish, leafy greens, and whole grains) are a big part of the Mediterranean diet, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in as little as six weeks! Several studies have suggested that isoflavones, oestrogen-like compounds found in soy products, may help lower inflammation levels in women. Avoid heavily-processed soy whenever possible, which may not include the same benefits and are usually paired with additives and preservatives. Milk products are sometimes considered a trigger food for inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, because some people have allergies or intolerance to casein, the protein found in dairy.

Colourful vegetables are part of a healthier diet in general and colourful peppers, tomatoes, squash, and leafy vegetables have high quantities of antioxidant vitamins. Bell peppers are available in a variety of colours, while hot peppers like chilli and cayenne pepper are rich in capsaicin, a chemical that reduces pain and inflammation.

Please be aware that peppers are a nightshade vegetable, which some doctors and patients believe can exacerbate inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis. One needs to avoid certain vegetables for a while if you think they may be exacerbating your particular problem and then reintroduce them to see if your symptoms return. Please contact me if you require help with this.

Juicy red tomatoes are rich in lycopene, which has been shown to reduce inflammation in the lungs and throughout the body. Cooked tomatoes contain even more lycopene than raw ones, so homemade tomato sauce works, too! Beetroot’s brilliant red colour is a nod to its antioxidant properties. Beets and beetroot juice have been shown to reduce inflammation, as well as protect against cancer and heart disease. Some spices are particularly anti-inflammatory. Turmeric and ginger spring to mind, having been shown in various studies to have anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric, the ingredient that gives curry its yellow colour, works in the body by helping to turn off a NF-kappa B, a protein that regulates the immune system and triggers the process of inflammation. Ginger, meanwhile, has been shown to reduce inflammation in the intestines when taken in supplement form. Garlic has been shown to work similarly to ibuprofen in shutting off inflammatory pathways and onions contain similar anti-inflammatory chemicals, including the phytonutrient quercetin and the compound allicin, which breaks down to produce free radical-fighting sulfenic acid. Give yourself an oil change by eating healthy monounsaturated fats in olive oil, nuts and avocados! All fruits can help fight inflammation, because they are high in antioxidants. But berries have been shown to have especially good anti-inflammatory properties, possibly because of anthocyanins, the powerful chemicals that give them their rich colour. Studies have shown, for example, that red raspberry extract helped prevent animals from developing arthritis; that blueberries can help protect against intestinal inflammation and ulcerative colitis; and that women who eat more strawberries have lower levels of CRP in their blood. There are medical studies available as to how Premium capsules, a natural whole food supplement can reduce inflammation in the body. https://beginwithin.juiceplus.com/gb/en

Now, remember our list at the beginning of this article? Dietary wise we want to be avoiding the following: 1. Excessive Saturated fats and Trans fats. Several studies have shown that saturated fats trigger adipose, or fat tissue inflammation, which is not only an indicator for heart disease but it also worsens arthritis inflammation. The big sources in the average diet are cheese, meat products (especially red meat), full-fat dairy products, pasta dishes and grain-based desserts. Trans fats can be found in fast foods and other fried products, processed foods, frozen products, cookies, donuts, crackers and most margarine. Avoid foods with partially hydrogenated oils in the ingredient labels. 2. Omega 6 Fatty acids. These are an essential fatty acid that the body needs for normal growth and development. The body needs a healthy balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. Excess consumption of omega-6s can trigger the body to produce pro-inflammatory chemicals. These fatty acids are found in oils such corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, grape seed oil, soy oil, peanut oil, and vegetable oil. They are also found in mayonnaise and many salad dressings. While we need some omega6 it is the balance of omega3 to omega6 which is important. (See blog on fats) 3. Artificial Sweeteners. Aspartame is a non-nutritive, artificial sweetener found in more than 4,000 products worldwide. It is a neurotoxin, which means it affects the brain. If you are sensitive to this chemical, your immune system will react by attacking the chemical, which in return, will trigger an inflammatory response. Artificial sweeteners cause havoc with the body’s normal messenger systems, avoid them at all costs. 4. Alcohol. Alcohol is a burden to the liver. Excessive use weakens liver function and disrupts other organ interactions and can cause inflammation. It is best used in moderation. 5. Sugar. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition warns that processed sugars trigger the release of inflammatory messengers called cytokines. Sugar goes by many names please refer to the “what’s in a name” blog for help with this. 6. Refined Carbohydrates. White flour products, white rice, white potatoes and many cereals are refined carbohydrates. According to Scientific American, processed carbohydrates may trump fats as the main driver of escalating rates of obesity and other chronic conditions. These high glycaemic index foods fuel the production of products that stimulate inflammation. 7. Processed Foods. Try to stick to a whole food diet. Cook your food from scratch. Any processed food will contain a myriad of preservatives, colourants and additives which are alien to our bodies and eventually lead to inflammation.

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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Hippocrates

Medical science may have made some amazing advances over the last 2000 odd years but it is also incredible how one man’s approach to medicine, health and well being seems to have stood the test of time!

Many of our best loved medical and dietary quotes come from Hippocrates. “Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.” being one of his most famous. Another of my favourites is “ It is far more important to know what sort of person has a disease has than what sort of disease a person has”

Hippocrates was a Greek physician and is considered one of the most outstanding figures in the history of medicine. He is often referred to as the "Father of Western Medicine". His intellectual school of thought revolutionized medicine in ancient Greece, establishing it as a discipline distinct from other fields with which it had traditionally been associated, and thus establishing medicine as a profession.

Hippocrates is credited with being the first person to believe that diseases were caused naturally, not because of magic, superstition, and the supernatural. He separated the discipline of medicine from religion, believing and arguing that disease was not a punishment inflicted by the gods, but rather the product of environmental factors, diet, and living habits.

Hippocrates saw the physician as the servant and facilitator of Nature. All medical treatment was aimed at enabling the natural resistance of the organism to prevail and overcome the disease and thereby to bring about recovery. Hippocrates was always sensible and conservative in his approach.

Hippocrates placed great emphasis on strengthening and building up the body's inherent resistance to disease. For this, he prescribed diet, gymnastics, exercise, massage, hydrotherapy and swimming in the sea.

Hippocrates was a great believer in dietary measures in the treatment of disease. He prescribed a very light diet during the crisis stage of an acute illness, and a liquid diet during the treatment of fevers and wounds.

Hippocratic medicine was patient centered, so its approach to diagnosis and treatment was quite flexible. As a holistic healing system, Hippocratic medicine treated the whole patient, and not just the disease.

It would seem that today we have come full circle in our aims and approach to the treatment of disease and maintenance of our health. It would also seem that we would do well to follow Hippocrates’ approach to holistic, patient centered treatment, and to concentrate on using as many natural remedies as possible to preserve our health and prevent the imbalances that inevitably lead to disease from occurring.

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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Fight with PHYTONUTRIENTS!

Once eaten, phytonutrients have incredible healing abilities inside your body. The thousands of phytonutrients are categorized into families, including Anthocyanins, Carotenoids, Flavonoids, Lipoic acid, Phytoestrogens, Polyphenols, Sulforaphane, and others.

Anthocyanins

These natural, health-boosting substances give certain fruits their purple or reddish colour. Not only does research show that anthocyanins have the capacity to boost short-term memory by 100 percent in just eight weeks, they also stimulate the burning of stored fat in the body to be used as fuel. Think how this phytonutrient alone could change your weight loss ability! Up your intake: Anthocyanins are found in dark purple or red grapes, cherries, and berries, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and strawberries.

Carotenoids

There are over 600 types of carotenoids. Carotenoids act as antioxidants in your body. This means they tackle harmful free radicals that damage tissues throughout your body. Not only do cartenoids help strengthen your eyesight and boost your immunity but in some studies, reduced the risk of cancer and protect against the effects of aging.

Alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin are carotenoids that your body can convert to vitamin A. This vitamin helps keep your immune system working properly, and it's needed for eye health. Lycopene (which gives the reddish colour to watermelon, pink grapefruit and tomatoes) has been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. Lutein and zeaxanthin may help protect you from cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, which are two types of eye problems. Good sources of these phytonutrients are greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens. Generally up your intake: Carotenoids are the yellow, orange, and red pigments found in foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots, mangoes, pumpkin, tomatoes, peaches, and other similarly coloured foods as well as dark green vegetables like broccoli and leafy greens.

Flavonoids

A large number of phytonutrients fall into the flavonoid category. They are found in a variety of plant foods. Flavonoids interfere with the stages of the development of cancer cells. Resveratrol, a particular flavonoid found predominantly in grapes, has demonstrated its ability to protect the brain from damage. Catechins activate fat-burning genes in abdominal fat cells to assist with weight loss, and belly fat loss in particular. Carrying extra belly fat is very dangerous and a serious risk factor in heart disease. According to research at Tufts University, catechins can increase abdominal fat loss by 77 percent and double total weight loss! Catechins are found mainly in green and black tea and apples. Hesperidins are found in citrus fruits, this flavonoid works as an antioxidant reducing inflammation in the body to help prevent chronic disease. Ellagic acid is found in a number of berries and other plant foods, especially strawberries, raspberries and pomegranates. Ellagic acid may help protect against cancer several different ways. For example, it may slow the growth of cancer cells. And it may help your liver to neutralize cancer-causing chemicals in your system. But studies of this acid have mainly been done in the laboratory, so its benefits for human health is an unknown. Generally up your intake: Flavonoids are found in berries, cherries, currants, pomegranates, red and purple grapes, red onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, apple skins, and walnuts.

Lipoic acid

Lipoic acid is found in every cell of your body, alpha-lipoic acid is an antioxidant that attacks free radicals. The substance is also found in several foods. Burt Berkson, M.D., a Food and Drug Administration investigator into the intravenous use of alpha-lipoic acid and author of “The Alpha Lipoic Acid Breakthrough,” cites several reasons why he considers ALA the “ultimate antioxidant.” Its solubility in either fat or water allows ALA to protect cells both inside and out. Adding to its potency as an antioxidant is ALA’s ability to rehabilitate other antioxidants such as the tripeptide glutathione and vitamins C and E. Most other antioxidants at work in the body tend to wear themselves out and dissipate, but ALA can rehabilitate these free radical-fighting warriors and get them working again, according to Berkson. He also notes that ALA -- used by itself and in combination with vitamin E -- appears to be an effective treatment for radiation poisoning, based on Russian studies done in the wake of the Chernobyl disaster.” Lipoic acid can be found in organ meats such as the heart, liver and kidneys, and vegetables such as broccoli and spinach. Lipoic acid is also present in yeast, particularly brewer’s yeast. Lesser amounts of lipoic acid occur naturally in Brussels sprouts, peas and tomatoes.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol is found in grapes, purple grape juice and red wine. It acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Some research suggests that resveratrol might play a role in reducing the risk of heart disease and certain cancers. And it may help extend life, animal studies have shown. But more human studies are needed to establish a clear relationship.

Glucosinolates

Glucosinolates are found in cruciferous vegetables, including: cabbage, kale, brussel sprouts and broccoli They give these vegetables their sharp odour and flavour. The glucosinolates turn into other chemicals during the cooking process and while you digest these foods. These chemicals may help hold in check the development and growth of cancer.

Phytoestrogens

Because of their structure, phytoestrogens can exert oestrogen-like effects. They can also block the effects of your natural supply of oestrogen. Soy foods contain isoflavones -- a type of phytoestrogen. Some evidence suggests that soy foods may be linked to lower risk of endometrial cancer and lower the risk of bone loss in women. Your body converts lignans, another type of phytonutrient, into chemicals with some oestrogen-like effects. Two especially good sources of lignans are sesame seeds and flaxseed.

Polyphenols

Polyphenols can lead to a possible reduction in inflammation such as in coronary heart disease. They also seem to have anti aging properties in the skin. Polyphenols can be found in cocoa and grapes.

Sulphuropnane

Sulforaphane occurs in plants bound to a sugar molecule as sulforaphane glucosinolate. Only after eating will the sulforaphane be released. Sulforaphane glucosinolate is found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale. The richest source of sulforaphane is broccoli. Sulforaphane is an antioxidant and stimulates the natural detoxifying enzymes. Sulforaphane may reduce the risk of breast, bladder and prostate cancer. The antioxidant action of sulforaphane helps to fight high blood pressure. A study by the Tokyo University of Agriculture has shown that people who eat about 100 g of broccoli daily, had reduced levels of cholesterol.

And here is the most important part... All these nutrients work together in synergy. We call this the orchestra effect. This is why when trying to reach and exceed your five a day, try to make sure you include a wide range of fruits and vegetables not just the few you are used to eating. Aim to exceed your five a day and try to include some fruits and vegetables from each colour and a few that you have not tried before! The protective effects of these phytonutrients are quite amazing. If you are battling to reach your five a day or are not getting the optimal range there is a fantastic whole fruit and vegetable product which you can research here https://beginwithin.juiceplus.com/gb/en or contact me for further information.

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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Eat your Greens!

The precise mechanisms through which fruit and vegetables contribute to disease prevention have not been fully identified. However, it is thought that disease prevention may not be attributable to any single nutrient, but rather to the combined and synergistic effects of the phytochemicals as well as to the interaction of nutritive and non-nutritive compounds found in fruit and vegetables. “Fruit and vegetables are important components of a healthy diet, and their sufficient daily consumption could help prevent major diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. Approximately 16.0 million (1.0%) disability adjusted life years, a measure of the potential life lost due to premature mortality and the years of productive life lost due to disability and 1.7 million (2.8%) of deaths worldwide are attributable to low fruit and vegetable consumption. Moreover, insufficient intake of fruit and vegetables is estimated to cause around 14% of gastrointestinal cancer deaths, about 11% of ischemic heart disease deaths and about 9% of stroke deaths globally. A recently published WHO/FAO report recommends a minimum of 400g of fruit and vegetables per day (excluding potatoes and other starchy tubers) for the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity, as well as for the prevention and alleviation of several micro nutrient deficiencies, especially in less developed countries. WHO and FAO launched in 2003, a joint Initiative to promote fruit and vegetables for health worldwide. “ These are the shocking statistics put up on the World Health Organisation web site. We don’t consume anywhere near enough fruit and vegetables for optimum health, we don’t even consume enough to protect us from heart disease, certain cancers and strokes.

Figure 1 - Mean fruit & vegetable intake per country (in grams per day), excluding juices.

Poland 577g fruit and vegetable intake per day

Italy 452g

Germany 442

Austria 413g

Hungary 371g

Estonia 359g

Ireland 350g

Belgium 343g

France 342g

Denmark 315g

Netherlands 300g

Slovakia 280g

Bulgaria 280g

Norway 259g

UK 258g

Finland 256g

Czech republic 253g

Sweden 237g

Iceland 198g

According to this graph only 4 European countries are hitting the 400g or more a day mark. (80g is more or less one serving). Look where we in the UK are sitting! We are consuming, on average 258g of fruit and vegetables per day (about 3 servings). While here in the UK we struggle to meet our fruit and vegetable quota, in Japan they aim for an astonishing 17 portions daily. But who is right? Everyone agrees that eating more fruits and vegetables helps to reduce the risk of heart disease and some cancers. But that is where the consensus ends. Although in Britain and South Africa we are told to live by the five-a-day rule, the Danes must aim for six, the French 10, and Canadians are urged to get through between five and 10. The Japanese government, however, now recommends up to 13 portions of vegetables plus four of fruit daily… a whopping 17 servings… more than three times what we are told to aim for!

So why are British guidelines so low? Consumption of fruit and vegetables in Britain has historically been poor, and we have now added the twenty-first century evils of processed and fast foods. In our defence, interesting fruit and vegetables do not grow in abundance on these shores, but it is a pretty poor excuse! Worse than these excuses though, is the fact that the powers that be do not want to scare us with big numbers, or unobtainable goals! Get a grip people! We are falling short, and it is time to wake up and take responsibility for our own health. When we, or loved ones, get sick, are we going to whine that the government didn’t give us high enough standards to reach for? It will be too late for recriminations then. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. Eat your greens (and reds, and yellows and oranges and purples….). Please! And if you are at all worried that you are not making the grade there is an amazing product that will bridge the gap between what you are getting and what you should be getting. You can research and order it here https://beginwithin.juiceplus.com/gb/en/shop/capsules/premium-capsules or private message me and I can send you some more information. Make this a priority; it is one of the simplest ways to improve the quality and length of your life.

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letsbeginwithin · 10 years ago

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Candida.... the silent scourge

Many people go through life suffering from symptoms like fatigue, recurrent yeast infections, irritable bowel syndrome, itching and headaches. But as diverse as those symptoms sound, they often all have the same cause – an opportunistic fungus named Candida Albicans.

Candida is a fungus, which is a form of yeast, and a very small amount of it lives in your mouth and intestines. Its normal function is to help with digestion and nutrient absorption but, when overproduced, Candida breaks down the wall of the intestine and penetrates the bloodstream, releasing toxic by-products into your body and causes leaky gut. This can lead to many different health problems, ranging from digestive issues to depression.

The healthy bacteria in your gut typically keep your Candida levels at bay. However, several factors can cause the Candida population to get out of hand: • Eating a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar (which feed the yeast) • Consuming a lot of alcohol (also feeds the yeast) • Taking oral contraceptives • Living a high-stress lifestyle • Taking a round of antibiotics that killed too many friendly bacteria

11 common Candida symptoms

1. Skin and nail fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot or toenail fungus, ringworm) 2. Feeling tired and worn out or suffering from chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia 3. Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, IBS, bloating, gas, food sensitivity 4. Autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Ulcerative colitis, Lupus, Psoriasis, Scleroderma or Multiple sclerosis 5. Difficulty concentrating, poor memory, lack of focus, ADD, ADHD, brain fog, crying, panic, insomnia 6. Skin issues such as eczema, psoriasis, hives, and rashes 7. Irritability, mood swings, anxiety or depression 8. Vaginal infections , urinary tract infections, rectal itching or vaginal itching, endometriosis, infertility 9. Strong cravings for sugar and refined carbohydrates 10. Seasonal allergies or itchy ears 11. Body odour not relieved by washing

Candida is a difficult condition to diagnose because it can affect each sufferer differently, on a different part of their body and in a way that may even be unique to that person. For this reason, Candida is often misdiagnosed and the symptoms are treated instead of the underlying cause. You may find yourself suffering from any or all of the following symptoms if you have Candida:

1.The Way You Feel: Inability to focus, Poor memory, Brain fog, Irritability, Anger, Dizziness, Depression, Persistent extreme fatigue, Hyperactivity, Cravings for sweets and alcohol, Insomnia, Poor coordination, Crying spells, Panic attacks, Low libido.

2.Your Skin: Acne, Cysts, Hives, Night sweats, Psoriasis, Eczema, Dermatitis, Fungal infections of the nails & skin, Athlete’s foot, Body odour.

3.Your Ears and Eyes: Eye pain, Itchy eyes, Sensitivity to light, Blurred vision, Bags under eyes, ringing in the ears, Ear infections.

4.Your Mouth: Thrush (white coating on tongue), Swollen lower lip, Halitosis, Metallic taste in mouth, Bad breath, Canker sores, Bleeding gums, Cracked tongue.

5.Your Respiratory System: Persistent cough, Mucus in throat, Sore throat, Sinus congestion, chronic post-nasal drip, Flu-like symptoms, Hay fever symptoms, Sinusitis, Asthma.

6.Your Digestive System: Acid reflux, Bloating, Flatulence, Nausea, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Stomach cramps, Indigestion, Burping after meals, Mucus in stool, Haemorrhoids, Itching anus.

7.Your Genito-Urinary System: Recurring yeast infections, recurring UTI’s (urinary tract infections), Cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), PMS & menstrual irregularities, Fungal rash.

8.Your Immune System: Frequent colds and flu, allergies, sensitivities to food, fragrances and chemicals.

9.Your Weight: Inability to lose weight, Water retention, Weight loss.

Other Symptoms Headaches, Heart palpitations, Chronic body pain and/or joint pains, Muscle aches and stiffness.

Candida Misdiagnosis Any of the following conditions may be confused with Candida. The reason is that the symptoms are often exactly the same, and Candida may manifest itself in any combination of these symptoms. IBS - abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, indigestion Arthritis - joint pain Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - constant fatigue Nappy Rash - rashes and itching in infants Athlete’s Foot - Fungus on toenails Crohn’s Disease - abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, indigestion Gastroenteritis - abdominal pain, bloating, gas, diarrhoea, indigestion

The Three most Common Causes of Candida Overgrowth 1. A course of antibiotics This is undoubtedly the most common cause of Candida overgrowth. Antibiotics are lifesavers, but they also come with serious side effects that should not be ignored. Broad spectrum antibiotics do exactly what they are designed to do – kill bacteria. But the problem is that not all the bacteria in your body are harmful. In fact, a typical healthy adult carries around 500 strains of bacteria (about 4lbs!), many of which play important roles in digesting your food and maintaining a healthy immune system. Because the colonies of Candida Albicans no longer face competition for the space and nutrients in your gut, they can quickly multiply and expand. And as they grow, the amount of toxic by-products they release grows too. The by-products can cause symptoms like headaches and fatigue. 2. Eating a high-sugar diet The modern Western diet is full of sugars and high fructose corn syrup. Sugars occur in the most unlikely places. Processed meats, tortillas, pasta sauces, salad dressings and breakfast cereals are all surprising sources of added sugar. The sugary diet that most of us eat is exactly what Candida Albicans needs to thrive. It is important to note that it takes a long term, high-sugar diet to cause a Candida overgrowth. If you have a healthy diet, eating a few sugary foods won’t lead to a Candida overgrowth. 3. A long period of stress Anyone who has suffered from stress will know that it can have huge physical effects on your body. In fact stress may be one of the major causes of disease in today’s society. There are a couple of different ways in which stress can contribute to a Candida outbreak. Firstly, stress raises your blood sugar. This is the typical ‘fight or flight’ response – your body senses the stress and makes lots of energy available for whatever happens next. Of course stress rarely comes from physical danger these days, but the effect of the elevated blood sugar is the same. Secondly, your immune system is weakened by stress as your body’s resources are diverted elsewhere, undermining your natural defences against a Candida overgrowth. The Three Elements You Need In Your Candida Treatment There are three key elements to A Candida treatment plan. Firstly, you must change your diet to exclude as many sugars as you can. Secondly, you should take an antifungal to kill off as much of the Candida as possible. And thirdly, you should choose a good probiotic to replenish your gut flora and prevent the Candida from coming back. These three elements should be done concurrently. 1. A Low Sugar Diet Candida Albicans is dependent on organic, carbon-based compounds to build its cell walls, reproduce and switch from yeast form to its more virulent fungal form. In practice this means it needs sugars. The best weapon we have against this requirement, is therefore to remove as many sugars as possible from the diet. There is a misconception that you only need to cut out added sugars from your diet to beat your Candida. Unfortunately this is not the case! Candida Albicans is just as happy utilising the natural sugars in fruit as the added sugars in a chocolate bar or sweetened drink. A Candida diet involves cutting out as many sources of sugar as possible, whether they are natural or added. There are a few obvious foods that you should avoid – chocolate, sugary fizzy drinks, sugary snacks etc. but you should also steer clear of fruit as well as starchy vegetables like potatoes and yams. Reading food labels is very important because so many foods have added sugars these days. 2. Probiotics Probiotics are the good bacteria that live in your gut, they can be a useful addition to anyone’s daily routine, whether you are suffering from Candida or not. Probiotics help in a few ways. Firstly they compete with the Candida yeast within your gut, so the more that is used by the ‘good bacteria’ the better. Secondly, they maintain the natural acidity in your stomach. This acidity prevents Candida from switching to its pathogenic, fungal form. And thirdly, they boost your immune system. 3. Antifungals Most antifungals, both natural and doctor-prescribed, work against Candida by disrupting its cell walls. While antifungals are unlikely to reverse a Candida overgrowth by themselves, using them in combination with a low sugar diet and good probiotics will do just that. Natural antifungals tend to be milder and have fewer side effects. Caprylic acid is an antifungal found naturally in coconut oil, and has been the subject of numerous studies into its antifungal properties. You can buy Caprylic acid in capsule form from Holland and Barrett. A study by the Journal of Complementary and Alternative Medicine showed that Grapefruit Seed Extract is effective against “over 800 bacterial and viral strains, 100 strains of fungus, and a large number of single and multi-celled parasites”. Grapefruit seed extract can also be purchased at many health food shops or over the internet. There are some effective foodie antifungals too! Foods like garlic, Swedes, coconut oil and olive oil all have antifungal properties. Integrating them into your diet can make a Candida treatment plan even more effective.

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