Naturopathic
Natural Anti-Inflammatories
12/06/10 18:35
Natural Anti-inflammatories
Inflammation has a well established role in all illnesses and diseases. Most people suffer the painful consequences to some extent at some time or other.
It is becoming increasingly documented that pharmaceutical treatments have many adverse side-effects and don’t address any of the issues concerning the causes of the inflammation, or helping the body cope with the inflammatory response.
There are many natural remedies that, whilst taken sensibly and on the advice of a health practitioner, can help to reduce inflammation and thus the pain associated with it, and with fewer adverse reactions in the body.
A few are mentioned below.
Serrapeptase
This is an enzyme, originally discovered in the intestine of silkworms, that has been shown to be an extremely powerful proteolytic enzyme. In studies it has been shown to digest and break down inflammatory cells, blood clots, fibrous tissue, cysts and any other non living tissue, leaving body tissues to function normally.
For more information on serrapeptase click in the link below.
www.serrapeptase.info
Omega 3’s
Essential fatty acids and their role in inflammation is often a confusing subject. Whilst inflammation plays a vital role in our bodies defense system, the key is to maintain a balance between the omega 6’s, (which play a necessary role in the production of inflammation), and omega 3’s that have an anti-inflammatory function.
If there is an excess of dietary omega 6’s, (found in vegetable oils and added to many processed and packaged foods), and a lack of antioxidants,(such as vitamin E) and omega 3’s, (found in fish oils and leafy green vegetables), then the result can lead to chronic inflammation having free reign throughout the body.
As always, the key concept is one of balance.
Just to further confuse the issue, olive oil, that may be used to replace the use of vegetable oils, is high in yet another omega, omega 9! Omega 9 has also got anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
GLA’s, found in evening primrose oil, hemp seed and borage oils, although omega 6’s, do not have the same properties, and help to inhibit inflammation.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the substance that gives turmeric it’s bright orange colour. It is in fact a member of the ginger family. Like ginger it has been recognised for hundreds of years, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, as a natural anti-inflammatory and detox aid.
Modern research has focused not only it’s action in the inhibition of the pre-inflammatory enzymes, but also in it’s potential role in the inhibition of unwanted bacteria and viruses.
Curcumin, however, should not be taken by those on blood thinning medication or with bile duct problems. It should also not be taken by those who are pregnant.
As with all supplementations, a healthcare practitioner should always be consulted prior to use.
Inflammation has a well established role in all illnesses and diseases. Most people suffer the painful consequences to some extent at some time or other.
It is becoming increasingly documented that pharmaceutical treatments have many adverse side-effects and don’t address any of the issues concerning the causes of the inflammation, or helping the body cope with the inflammatory response.
There are many natural remedies that, whilst taken sensibly and on the advice of a health practitioner, can help to reduce inflammation and thus the pain associated with it, and with fewer adverse reactions in the body.
A few are mentioned below.
Serrapeptase
This is an enzyme, originally discovered in the intestine of silkworms, that has been shown to be an extremely powerful proteolytic enzyme. In studies it has been shown to digest and break down inflammatory cells, blood clots, fibrous tissue, cysts and any other non living tissue, leaving body tissues to function normally.
For more information on serrapeptase click in the link below.
www.serrapeptase.info
Omega 3’s
Essential fatty acids and their role in inflammation is often a confusing subject. Whilst inflammation plays a vital role in our bodies defense system, the key is to maintain a balance between the omega 6’s, (which play a necessary role in the production of inflammation), and omega 3’s that have an anti-inflammatory function.
If there is an excess of dietary omega 6’s, (found in vegetable oils and added to many processed and packaged foods), and a lack of antioxidants,(such as vitamin E) and omega 3’s, (found in fish oils and leafy green vegetables), then the result can lead to chronic inflammation having free reign throughout the body.
As always, the key concept is one of balance.
Just to further confuse the issue, olive oil, that may be used to replace the use of vegetable oils, is high in yet another omega, omega 9! Omega 9 has also got anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
GLA’s, found in evening primrose oil, hemp seed and borage oils, although omega 6’s, do not have the same properties, and help to inhibit inflammation.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the substance that gives turmeric it’s bright orange colour. It is in fact a member of the ginger family. Like ginger it has been recognised for hundreds of years, especially in Ayurvedic medicine, as a natural anti-inflammatory and detox aid.
Modern research has focused not only it’s action in the inhibition of the pre-inflammatory enzymes, but also in it’s potential role in the inhibition of unwanted bacteria and viruses.
Curcumin, however, should not be taken by those on blood thinning medication or with bile duct problems. It should also not be taken by those who are pregnant.
As with all supplementations, a healthcare practitioner should always be consulted prior to use.
Detox For Health
17/01/10 14:26
Detoxing for Health
Detoxing isn’t just all about following one of the many diet regimes on the market. An effective detox involves ridding the body of unwanted toxins. Each of us have an individual system unique to ourselves, so what suits one person may not be appropriate for another. A qualified practitioner can carry out an assessment to provide an appropriate regime taking into account individual factors that are essential to health.
A few of the main areas to consider are: digestive tract health, allergies and underlying medical conditions.
Exercise is an extremely important factor in successful detoxing. Regular exercising results in the substantial increase in levels of detox enzymes in the system. The form of exercise undertaken should be appropriate for each individual.
Some vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are good sources of compounds that induce the production of detox enzymes as well as boosting antioxidant activity.
Garlic, leeks and onions are also well known for their cleansing ability.
Dietary fibre is also important as it may help bind to toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and aid in their excretion.
Milk Thistle, Vitamin C, and selenium are useful supplements in aiding detoxification and liver support.
Green Tea has also been shown to be useful alternative to regular tea and coffee. It aids in the metabolism of toxins in the liver into inactive forms that are more easily excreted.
Seaweeds and alginates have also been shown to help draw toxins out of the system and prevent their absorption. Take care to buy these from a reputable source, as unfortunately not all waters are free from pollution.
Most individuals benefit from cutting down on the amount of bread and other carbohydrates consumed in the normal diet.
It is important to remember that when detoxing, some symptoms of toxicity such as mild headache or thirst develop to indicate that you are ridding the body of unwanted chemicals. These may be part of the withdrawal phase of the return to health phase.
Lymphatic drainage techniques, a form of osteopathic treatment to stimulate the spleen and general lymph system, can be introduced as part of the treatment strategy.
Remember the adage ‘you may get worse before you get better’.
Please also get advice from a healthcare practitioner if you are planning to detox for the first time, or if you have any underlying condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure where special guidance is essential.
Detoxing isn’t just all about following one of the many diet regimes on the market. An effective detox involves ridding the body of unwanted toxins. Each of us have an individual system unique to ourselves, so what suits one person may not be appropriate for another. A qualified practitioner can carry out an assessment to provide an appropriate regime taking into account individual factors that are essential to health.
A few of the main areas to consider are: digestive tract health, allergies and underlying medical conditions.
Exercise is an extremely important factor in successful detoxing. Regular exercising results in the substantial increase in levels of detox enzymes in the system. The form of exercise undertaken should be appropriate for each individual.
Some vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower are good sources of compounds that induce the production of detox enzymes as well as boosting antioxidant activity.
Garlic, leeks and onions are also well known for their cleansing ability.
Dietary fibre is also important as it may help bind to toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and aid in their excretion.
Milk Thistle, Vitamin C, and selenium are useful supplements in aiding detoxification and liver support.
Green Tea has also been shown to be useful alternative to regular tea and coffee. It aids in the metabolism of toxins in the liver into inactive forms that are more easily excreted.
Seaweeds and alginates have also been shown to help draw toxins out of the system and prevent their absorption. Take care to buy these from a reputable source, as unfortunately not all waters are free from pollution.
Most individuals benefit from cutting down on the amount of bread and other carbohydrates consumed in the normal diet.
It is important to remember that when detoxing, some symptoms of toxicity such as mild headache or thirst develop to indicate that you are ridding the body of unwanted chemicals. These may be part of the withdrawal phase of the return to health phase.
Lymphatic drainage techniques, a form of osteopathic treatment to stimulate the spleen and general lymph system, can be introduced as part of the treatment strategy.
Remember the adage ‘you may get worse before you get better’.
Please also get advice from a healthcare practitioner if you are planning to detox for the first time, or if you have any underlying condition such as diabetes or high blood pressure where special guidance is essential.
Vitamin D
23/05/09 15:51
There has been a lot of interest recently in the vital role that Vitamin D plays in the regulation our immune function and the possible prevention of many illnesses. Many of these illnesses, including multiple sclerosis, heart disease, stroke, autoimmune diseases and many cancers, have been on the increase in our society in recent years. The correlation between this and the scares relating to sun exposure are not coincidental. We must also take into consideration the good old Scottish weather!
The importance of maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D should not be underestimated.
Check out the links below for more information.
www.vitamind3uk.com
www.vitamindcouncil.org
The importance of maintaining adequate levels of Vitamin D should not be underestimated.
Check out the links below for more information.
www.vitamind3uk.com
www.vitamindcouncil.org
Lowering cholesterol naturally
01/04/09 09:40
Lowering your cholesterol and avoiding high blood pressure is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Most people discover their LDL cholesterol (Low Density Lipoprotein) to HDL cholesterol (High Density Lipoprotein) ratios when applying for health insurance or medical insurance. But lowering your cholesterol with a prescription from your doctor is not always the best way. Try the below natural methods for lowering your cholesterol and living a healthier lifestyle.
Regular Exercise - With regular exercise you can help your body to reduce stress, lose weight, increase metabolism, burn more calories, and more. Steady and regular exercise has been found to help lower cholestrol and reduce triglyceride levels. With regular exercise you can lower your body mass index and achieve a healthy weight. This helps you to reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
2. Cut Out trans-fats - Trans-fats are found mostly in fried foods, pastries, cookies, and other similar foods. Avoiding these types of foods limits your calories, fat intake, and helps lower your cholesterol. The American Heart Association`s Nutrition Committee recommends limiting trans-fats to one percent of your daily calorie intake.
3. Remove Stress From Your Life - Stress and anxiety cause chemicals to be released into your body, raise your blood pressure, and reduce blood flow to your heart. Avoid stressful situations and use techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and other similar techniques. This helps your body to deal with stress and minimize the effects on your body.
4. Lose Weight - Being Overweight changes your metabolism and the way your body deals with fat and cholesterol. Losing weight in a slow and steady manner improves your health and lowers your cholesterol. Natural dieting results in consistent weight loss and reduces your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
5. Emphasize Healthy Social Relationships - Focus on stress-free, fun and relaxing family and friendship activities. These should fit with a healthy lifestyle and steer away from unhealthy and stressful social behaviors including arguments, drinking, inactivity, and overeating.
6. Getting a Pet effects Oxytocin production- A number of high quality studies have shown that caring for a pet reduces stress. A 10 year study performed at the Stroke Research Center at the University of Minnesota found that owning a pet lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, helps with depression, and reduces risks of dying from a heart attack or other diseases.
7. Avoid Red Meat, Eggs, & Whole Milk - Red meats, whole milk, and egg yolks are concentrated cholesterol foods. They should be avoided and replaced with some of the healthier foods that are low in cholesterol. Some examples can be found below.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Stock up on foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids raise HDL and lower LDL cholestrol levels. Some good sources include salmon and herring fish, walnuts and almonds, dried cloves, and flaxseed oil. Many of these foods also contain antioxidants and vitamins.
9. Try Oat Bran & Brown Rice Bran - Both oat bran and brown rice bran contain high levels of soluble fibre, for example porage oats. Soluble Fiber binds fats and absorbs cholesterol.
10. Blueberries, Garlic, & Apples - These three foods are tasty and can be easily combined with many other foods in home-made recipes. Garlic and Blueberries lower both blood pressure and cholesterol when combined with the other activities we have included. The fiber pectin in apples decrease the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver, mainly by reducing the initial uptake of fats from food eaten in a meal. Using these ingredients in your meals can make a healthy impact on your cholesterol.
Regular Exercise - With regular exercise you can help your body to reduce stress, lose weight, increase metabolism, burn more calories, and more. Steady and regular exercise has been found to help lower cholestrol and reduce triglyceride levels. With regular exercise you can lower your body mass index and achieve a healthy weight. This helps you to reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes.
2. Cut Out trans-fats - Trans-fats are found mostly in fried foods, pastries, cookies, and other similar foods. Avoiding these types of foods limits your calories, fat intake, and helps lower your cholesterol. The American Heart Association`s Nutrition Committee recommends limiting trans-fats to one percent of your daily calorie intake.
3. Remove Stress From Your Life - Stress and anxiety cause chemicals to be released into your body, raise your blood pressure, and reduce blood flow to your heart. Avoid stressful situations and use techniques such as breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and other similar techniques. This helps your body to deal with stress and minimize the effects on your body.
4. Lose Weight - Being Overweight changes your metabolism and the way your body deals with fat and cholesterol. Losing weight in a slow and steady manner improves your health and lowers your cholesterol. Natural dieting results in consistent weight loss and reduces your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
5. Emphasize Healthy Social Relationships - Focus on stress-free, fun and relaxing family and friendship activities. These should fit with a healthy lifestyle and steer away from unhealthy and stressful social behaviors including arguments, drinking, inactivity, and overeating.
6. Getting a Pet effects Oxytocin production- A number of high quality studies have shown that caring for a pet reduces stress. A 10 year study performed at the Stroke Research Center at the University of Minnesota found that owning a pet lowers blood pressure, lowers cholesterol, helps with depression, and reduces risks of dying from a heart attack or other diseases.
7. Avoid Red Meat, Eggs, & Whole Milk - Red meats, whole milk, and egg yolks are concentrated cholesterol foods. They should be avoided and replaced with some of the healthier foods that are low in cholesterol. Some examples can be found below.
8. Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Stock up on foods containing Omega 3 fatty acids. Omega 3 fatty acids raise HDL and lower LDL cholestrol levels. Some good sources include salmon and herring fish, walnuts and almonds, dried cloves, and flaxseed oil. Many of these foods also contain antioxidants and vitamins.
9. Try Oat Bran & Brown Rice Bran - Both oat bran and brown rice bran contain high levels of soluble fibre, for example porage oats. Soluble Fiber binds fats and absorbs cholesterol.
10. Blueberries, Garlic, & Apples - These three foods are tasty and can be easily combined with many other foods in home-made recipes. Garlic and Blueberries lower both blood pressure and cholesterol when combined with the other activities we have included. The fiber pectin in apples decrease the amount of cholesterol produced in the liver, mainly by reducing the initial uptake of fats from food eaten in a meal. Using these ingredients in your meals can make a healthy impact on your cholesterol.
Liquorice
08/03/09 15:54
Liquorice contains substances called glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhizinic acid. These are similar in structure to the natural steroids produced in our body.
Chinese herbal medicine has been using this herb extensively for thousands of years.
It has been found that the active components of liquorice can be highly effective in helping the symptoms in individuals suffering from many conditions including auto-immune diseases, gastric ulcers, viral infections, allergic disorders, herpes and asthma.
As with any supplementation it is important to consult your practitioner prior to taking them, as there can be cautions in certain individuals that need to be taken into consideration.
Chinese herbal medicine has been using this herb extensively for thousands of years.
It has been found that the active components of liquorice can be highly effective in helping the symptoms in individuals suffering from many conditions including auto-immune diseases, gastric ulcers, viral infections, allergic disorders, herpes and asthma.
As with any supplementation it is important to consult your practitioner prior to taking them, as there can be cautions in certain individuals that need to be taken into consideration.