Monday, 30 June 2014

Why healthy alternative non dairy milks are NOT a “healthy alternative”



Why healthy alternative non dairy milks are NOT a “healthy alternative”



a) They contain vegetables oils (canola oil, corn oil, safflower oil, sunflower seed oil, or soybean oil) these oils are extracted with toxic solvents and the high heat damages their fatty acid structure, often harvested from GMO crops. Humans and even animals should avoid vegetables oils they go rancid in the body. yuck. 

b) Contain fortified vitamins and minerals, pointless as the body cannot assimilate the synthetic version of the vitamin. eg milk containing fortified D2- D2 desensitizes the D3 receptors, making us more prone to vitamin D deficiency!
c) High phytic acid content (a enzyme inhibitor that impairs digestion and is mineral blocking) 

d) Contains  carrageenan (has been shown to induce colitis in lab animals!)
Need a milk substitute? Raw milk is best! If you can get your hands on some from a local farmer, alternatively it’s cheap and easy to make your own milk with rice/ almonds/ oats etc. 

At Cranbourne Family Chiropractic and Wellness our Naturopaths offer food allergy testing if that’s believed to be playing a part in your symptoms.

Monday, 23 June 2014

The gut- mind connection



The gut- mind connection

The Gut brain link always fascinates me, mainstream medicine neglect this connection, equally as fascinating. It has been proven emotional responses can trigger physiological disease states and symptomology.
The brain-gastrointestinal axis and inflammation in these areas exerts cytokines and other mediators leading to further disease progression. Those with compromised gut tissue (eg colitis, celiac etc) will have an increase in production of inflammatory cytokines (interluekins etc) what happens is these inflammatory messages are sent for the white blood cells to deal with the problem, once released into the blood stream they hit the parasympathetic nervous system/ vagus nerve and that goes to the brain, OR in cases when inflammation is greater these cytokines leak out and cross the blood brain barrier directly and initiate an inflammatory action where they influence neurotransmitter release which then changes your behaviour! Therefore one way to support your brain is to deal with the gut.
The intrinsic connection becomes easier to grasp once you know that your brain and gut are created out of the same tissue. During foetal development, one part turns into your CNS while the other develops into your enteric nervous system. These two are connected via the vagus nerve. This is what connects the two ‘brains’ together. All neurotransmitters are found in the gut, serotonin (our feel good neurotransmitter) has the greatest concentration in the intestines.
The gut microbiota can influence mood, memory and behaviour. Conditions associated with an imbalance in the gut flora include, depression, anxiety, ADD and learning difficulties to name a few. Poor diet, lifestyle and antibiotic use can all influence this balance of good and bad bacteria.
At Cranbourne family chiropractic and wellness our naturopaths have comprehensive testing to determine the health of your gut and what impact that’s having on your health and wellbeing. 
 Call now to arrange your appointment to see one of our Naturopaths and get your gut back on track. 59984554 or visit us online, www.cranbournefamilychiro.com.au 

Monday, 16 June 2014

Need to change your eating habits and not sure where to start?





Need to change your eating habits and not sure where to start? 

Keep a weekly food diary then bring it in to Cranbourne family chiropractic and wellness for evaluation by one of our Naturopaths. 

They will work with you to optimise your meals and address what areas you may be struggling with such as time, motivation, ideas, cravings, money or knowledge, offering alternatives, making slight adjustments to your usual regime, so you can gradual better you’re eating habits.

Our Naturopaths take a holistic approach and where necessary provide additional support with the use of nutrients and herbs.

Get the tools to optimise the meals you and your family create. Food is medicine and you really, are what you eat. 


Monday, 9 June 2014

Inflammation and fatigue



Inflammation and fatigue.



Inflammation anywhere in the body impairs the mitochondria. Why are they so important? Mitochondria are known as “the power house of the cell”. These organelles are the major site of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) our energy production pathways. 90% of cellular energy is generated in the mitochondria and if damaged from inflammation, danger signals are sent, the immune system reacts like there are pathogens, leading to a further increase in inflammation and oxidative stress within the body.  Multiple factors can contribute to a defect in the mitochondria such as leaky gut, poor immunity, stress, toxicity. One way to help combat inflammation via the diet are with foods with anti inflammatory actions. you may like to incorporate more of the following into your diet, here’s why;
1. Fatty Fish
fresh cuts of tuna, salmon and mackerel, can be baked or boil them to keep things healthy. Keep in mind that, while whitefish such as cod and sole are beneficial sources of lean protein, they do not provide the same inflammation-fighting properties as their oilier counterparts.

2. Avocado
In addition to being a great source of monounsaturated fats, avocado has the power to reduce inflammation. It's a much healthier source of fat than killer trans fats and goes well with many dishes. Aim for five to seven servings of healthy fats per day, such as topping your salad with avocado, blending it into a dressing or just eating it plain.

3. Leafy Greens
Dark leafy greens such as kale, broccoli and collards can amp up your body's inflammation-reducing abilities. Sub in a serving or two per day.
4. Turmeric
This traditionally Indian spice is an anti-inflammatory superstar. Its historical use in Eastern medicine has proven its use in treating a variety of inflammatory conditions, Add a dash of it to your stir-fries or curries for an easy dose of its inflammation-fighting properties.

5. Walnuts.
Have anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties and also possess important nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, copper, manganese, molybdenum and biotin. Shoot for an ounce, or about 14 walnuts halves, every day.

6. Peppers
Both bell peppers and hot peppers provide a whole, healthy, colorful addition to your anti-inflammatory regime. The chemical capsaicin, found in a variety of spicy peppers, is often used in topical ointments geared toward reducing pain and
inflammation

7. Olive Oil
Aside from its raft of other health benefits, including lowering cholesterol, olive oil helps reduce inflammation. However, studies show that only extra-virgin olive oil obtained from the first pressing of the olives delivers these benefits, so stick with the good stuff

8. Ginger
Ginger not only fights inflammation but also works to stop it in its tracks by suppressing the formation of inflammatory compounds in the first place. Gingerols, the chemicals in ginger responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties, are reported to reduce pain and swelling

9. Beets
Brightly colored and earthy-flavored, beets provide heart and cancer protection as well as vitamin C in addition to their power to reduce inflammation. They taste fantastic roasted, boiled and grated raw on salads
10. Holy Basil
Look for it at specialty or Asian food stores, where it may also be labeled as tulsi or hot basil. Use it as you regularly would, but expect a kick.

Introducing
foods that fight inflammation into your diet doesn't need to be difficult or stressful. Hopefully this list of whole foods will expand your grocery list and your health opportunities all at once.


Monday, 2 June 2014

How are you sleeping?






Glycine and sleep

Two human studies have recently been conducted analysing the effect of glycine and sleep. 

Glycine has a role in the regulation of sleep, with a few theories proposed for its mechanism of action.

1) Glycine inhibits orexin neurons (a neuropeptide) once you inhibit orexin neurons you promote sleep. 

2) Another pharmacology study has shown that glycine activates NMPA receptors to induce vasodilation therefor lowering core body temperature and inducing sleep.

In summary Glycine can:

·         Improve daytime sleepiness.
·         improve sleep satisfaction and getting to sleep
·         Reduce latency to sleep onset and slow wave sleep.

However evidences also supports glycine only has this effect when administered during the night time, not day so it’s actually a supporting agent and not so much a putting to sleep agent. 

If you are having difficulties with your sleeping cycle you may like to discuss this option with one of the Naturopaths at Cranbourne Family Chiropractic and Wellness Centre.  

Cheers, Tessa Zangiacomi,  Naturopath