Rocket for Ulcer

Stomach ulcers is a common problem in our society, affecting large number of our population.
The use of medications in the long run can bring more side effects than benefits, that is why Naturopaths never get tired of researching for new natural strategies.
There is a list of food that we should eat and will help to relieve the symptoms of ulcers, heartburn and stomatitis.
Amongst many of them, rocket is a very important one. 
It was concluded that rocket extract has a base of anti secretory, cytoprotective properties and anti-ulcer-induced activity in gastric lesions probably mediated by the activity of prostaglandins or anti secretory and antioxidant properties of this vegetable. 
The best way of getting its nutrients and benefits is eating the whole plant, do not cut into pieces because it can destroy its enzymes.
Add some rockets into your pizza, its yummy and healthy!!

Stress and mood Disorders

There will be a great  Metagenics seminar in Sydney on the 24th of March, don't miss out!!!


It is extremely important how stress and mood disorder can affect in our everyday life. Find out how to live happier and healthier forever!!

How Your Biology Becomes Your Biography

A Big Problem Rapidly Getting Bigger

Life presents us with an abundance of joys, yet many people are unable to enjoy life’s pleasures due to feelings of stress, anxiety and/or depression. In 2007, 3.3 million Australians were suffering from anxiety or affective (mood) disorder – that’s at least one in five Australians. Every year another 20,000 Australians are diagnosed with a mental illness, with similar figures found in New Zealand. Unfortunately, current orthodox medications and treatments fall well short of dealing with the problem effectively, with some studies suggesting they are no better than placebo. Holistic, efficacious treatment strategies designed to help restore optimal neurochemistry can help support mental health in our patients and therefore, help them live happier, healthier lives.

Understanding Neurobiology is the Key

The complexity of mental health disorders can be overwhelming, with over 400 distinct conditions described. From a functional point of view, however, most mental conditions come down to a problem of disturbed neurobiology: neurons not working properly and messages not travelling around the central nervous system effectively. In this seminar we will explore why disturbances in neurobiology occur in the first place, and what physiological factors perpetuate and worsen the problem. You will see that treatment is not simply a matter of giving more amino acids to make more neurotransmitters. Mental disorders involve not only neurotransmitter levels, but receptor and transporter activity – which may be increased in one part of the brain and depressed in another at the same time! We shall explore how neurotransmitter receptor resistance and neuronal apoptosis can affect mood and behaviour. We will also see how increased blood/brain barrier permeability, microglial activation and glutamate signalling can impair a patient’s ability to simply be happy!

The Role of Energy in Happiness

The brain is an amazingly complex organ: a tiny piece of brain the size of a grain of sand may contain around 100,000 neurons with over one billion connections! The brain weighs just 2% of the body mass, yet it uses over 20% of the energy the body generates. Neurons which lack energy are unable to perform vital functions such as signal conduction and neurotransmitter synthesis. Therefore, if neurons run out of energy, mental dysfunction ensues. Chronic stress directly contributes to mitochondrial dysfunction, to the point where neurons may actually undergo apoptotic cell death, with actual brain shrinkage demonstrated in more severe cases of mental health disorders. Stress also increases neurological inflammation and oxidative stress, both factors that can also cause disturbances in neurobiology.

The Stress Response System – Beyond the HPA

Understanding the body’s responses to stress is crucial to the effective treatment of anxiety, depression and even schizophrenia. In this seminar we will expand on our understanding of the stress response system beyond the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, to include limbic structures, the locus caeruleus and the dorsal raphe nucleus. We will see how dysfunctions in our stress response system drive disturbances in neurobiology. We will also explore the emerging concept of cortisol resistance and its role in adrenal exhaustion, uncontrolled inflammation, and to mental health symptomatology.

What You Will Learn From Attending this Seminar

• Understand how chronic stress results in disordered neurobiology, and how this manifests as different symptom patterns in patients.
• Discover the pathophysiological basis of mental disorders and how the mind/body connection works.
• Identify the chief drivers behind the development of mental disorders.
• Develop treatment strategies to support key neurotransmitters and different patterns of behaviour caused by disturbed neurobiology.
• Learn about the latest developments in natural medical treatment for patients with mental disorders and symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
• Develop an appreciation for how psycho-social stress, toxicity, hormonal disturbances, nutritional deficiencies, sleeping problems, obesity and insulin resistance can drive neurobiological disturbance.

“The soul suffers when the body is diseased or traumatised, while the body suffers when the soul is ailing” – Aristotle (384-322 BCE)

Happy Holidays

Wellbeing is on Holidays!!
I apologize if I haven't been writing much lately, it has been a very special year which I dedicated most of it to my beautiful daughter Luana. I am looking forward for 2012 and I have many healthy projects on the way, I'm sure you will love it!

Happy Holidays!! Stay healthy for next year!

Lots of love and health to everyone

Natural treatment strategies for Children's with learning disorders & Bhavioural issues

I went to this Metagenics seminar on the weekend about Children Epidemics.
It was discussed the importance of the connection between Gut-Immunity-Brain (GIB) since childhood.
From a Naturopathic point of view, if one of the parts mentioned above are disrupted, the whole body will be affected. Therefore, it is crucial to look after our health from a very young age.
Low immunity, disrupted microflora and poor brain function can be linked to most of childhood problems.

Foundations for building a healthy brain start in childhood. Childhood is a time of immense social and intellectual development. Ensuring healthy brain development in this vital stage of life can set the stage for a healthy cognitive function, memory and learning well into adulthood.

Issues with brain function and learning during childhood can lead to longer term social, psychological and behavioural problems. If your child suffers from learning, behavioural or developmental issues, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism, your natural health care practitioner can help.

Common Childhood Problems

ADHD is the most common behavioural disorder in children. It affects about 5 to 10% of children. ADHD is characterised by different levels of inattention, hyperactivity, impulsivity and/or significant academic , social and emotional problems.

Autism is another common childhood problem affecting the brain. It is less common, but it is becoming more widespread. This neurodevelopmental  condition is characterised by impaired socil interaction and communication, restricted interests and repetitive behaviour.

Allergies and Obesity are also very common among children. Skin allergies such as eczema, psoriasis and others are related to leaky skin, asthma is related to leaky lungs and constipation or diahrroea are related to leaky gut. Good gut bacteria is the key to eliminate body toxins and keep the nutrients. A good dose of probiotics are fundamental in the treatment of allergies.
Obesity is related to poor diet and lifestyle.

Natural Medicines can help

If your child has a learning disability, behavioural problem or other disroder affecting their brain function, your natural Healthcare Practitioner can help by complementing any existing treatments with specific recommendations for dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments and key natural supplements. Some basic recommendations that can help support healthy brain function, learning and behaviour in children include the following.

• Feed that hungry brain
• Healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables and protein. 
• Ensure your child eats a full breakfast every day
• Avoid processed foods additives and artificial flavours.
• Growing children Need a Healthy lifestyle
• Identify your child's interests and encourage active participation
•  Exercise and fresh air matter
• Sleep and rest are also important
• Positive role models and family support are essential
• Smart supplements for a better brain: Multivitamins, Minerals, Fish oils and Herbal Support

If you would like more information on these natural medicines, dietary or lifestyle advice talk to you healthcare Practitioner.

One Apple Everyday

Im sure you have already heard that we must eat one apple everyday, I just wanted to make sure you understand why it is important to do so.

The other day walking at the beach with my friend Raquel we started to talk about all the amazing things that an apple can do. It all started and we were discussing the best tips  to reduce fat in the abdominal area.

The Benefits of eating ONE apple EVERYDAY

• Neutralizes the body ph
• Reduces abdominal fat
• Reduces bad breath/halitosis
• Protect the cells against free radicals
• Improve skin quality
• Anti-aging
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals

Organic fruits are always a better choice!

Cold & Flu in babies

Luana is only five months old and has a flu for the first time. It breaks my heart to watch her suffering. She has a very blocked nose but she doesn't know how to get rid of the mucous, which is causing a cough and short of breath. A young baby’s natural instinct is to breathe through their nose – even when it is blocked. This can make their life very frustrating, disrupting sleep, nursing and bottle-feeding. That’s why it’s so important to keep your baby’s nose clear.


3 tips that is helping my baby a lot


1- Euky Bear Vaporiser 
Keeping a vaporriser in the babies room will allow her/him to breath easily. Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil , open the window a little bit and let it steam. It will work for up to 12 hours and then stops automatically when steaming completed.
The steam moisturises mucous membrane, reduces irritation and clear mucous from the nose, bronchial tubes and lungs. The Euky bear vaporiser helps alleviate the symptoms of colds and flu, bronchitis, croup and other respiratory aliments.


2- Fess little noses Saline spray
This is a non-medicated saline solution that provides relief of dry or blocked noses due to colds, allergies, sinusitis or dry air. The gentle alcohol free saline solution will not sting your baby’s delicate nasal membranes and being non-medicated it can be used as often as needed without the worry of harmful side-effects. works by loosening and thinning nasal mucus and moisturising dry nasal passages. This helps to clear stuffy noses, allowing your baby to breathe easier. As babies insist on breathing through their nose, a clear nose is essential prior to feeding and sleeping.


3- Love
There is no mystery for the third tip. All a baby need is  lots of love from  mummy and daddy, specially when they are in pain. Kiss and Hug your baby as much as you can, don't worry if you end up getting their flu, we are "big girls" and  we can handle it much better than they do


In cases of choke put your mouth into babies nose and suck all the mucous! I know it sounds disgusting but  it has helped many babies to breath in emergency situations.




http://www.fess.com.au/products.8

Cow's milk protein intolerance in babies

Cow's milk protein intolerance is now becoming an epidemic. Many babies are now developing symptoms of CMPI and this should not be confused with Lactose Intolerance ; the latter refers to the inability to digest lactose whereas CMPI refers to a immunological reaction where there is damage to the digestive tract , including the oesophagus  incurred by proteins passing through the mother’s milk, to the baby, after she has consumed dairy products.


“About 1 in 50 babies have the problem – most grow out of cow’s milk allergy by the age of 4 years and cow’s milk allergy in adults is rare.”

Symptoms of CMPI generally includes: unsettled behaviour, unhappiness , bad sleeping and most of the times doctors misdiagnose CMPI as Acid Reflux due to the similarity of symptoms.


CMPI “…is easily missed and needs to be considered as a cause of infant distress”

The best treatment for this condition is a very restricted diet to the mother (when beast feeding). This dietary changes is based on the elimination of dairy, including milk, chocolate, cheese, butter, eggs and all products including dairy derivatives. Soy should also be avoided as this is considered a high allergen food. Mothers should also pay attention in processed food, you will be amazed with the high amount of dairy and soy in these foods.

Dairy products are rich in Calcium, when eliminating it all from your diet is important to find other types of food which contain calcium, as calcium deficiency is another major issue in our society. Dairy free calcium supplements is a good option.

Mothers who suspect their babies are suffering from this condition should see a medical professional for assessment and advice. It is not recommended that anyone attempt an elimination diet without medical supervision.

Elimination diet is very challenging for some mothers, specially for the vegetarian ones. A good option is tahini treats, it taste great , are high in protein and are free from allergens!

Tahini is one of the ingredients use to make humus.

Carrot and Celery sticks with humus can be a great afternoon snack!

The information contained in this article should NEVER be used as a substitute for the advice of a licensed physician. The information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only. In no way should it be considered as offering medical advice. Please see a physician if you think you or your child are unwell.

http://childhood101.com/2011/01/eating-like-a-cow-breastfeeding-cow’s-milk-protein-intolerance