Adapt and Revitalize

The constant hammering of stress is sometimes relentless. High demand jobs, challenges in relationships, illness, technology, traffic, noise, and worry are just a summary of the stressors that we all face in our busy life.  Stresses can inspire some and cripple others, and for most create energy drain that make it even more difficult to manage the next round of stress.

Adaptation is what we humans do best making us one of the most successful species on the planet.  Yes, we do adapt to a certain amount of stress, though when it becomes excessive and constant trouble begins. Energy is depleted, moods swing, the immune system is less effective, hormone balance altered and the speed of aging is accelerated.

Nature provides a powerful combination of stress relieving herbal adaptogens, vitamins and importantly; minerals to revitalize the body and mind. These natural tonics and herbal adaptogens are natures answer to stress.

The three essential criteria to look for in any adaptogens:

·         An Adaptogen must be non-toxic

·         Adaptogens must increase the body’s resistance to multiple stressors

·         An Adaptogen must have a normalizing effect on the body’s natural responses to stress.

The gift of tonics and adaptogens to transform your stress response across all body systems has far reaching positive repercussions. If you’re under chronic stress or suffering from anxiety or adrenal fatigue your body is crying out for herbal adaptogens and natural tonics. Following are just some of those powerful tonics and herbal adaptogens:

Top 8 Herbal Adaptogens

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherocuccus senticosus) – considered the “King Of Adaptogens”

·         Increases vitality, stamina and mental performance.

·          Improves immune function and resistance to bacteria and virus.

·          Minimises the effects of environmental, occupational and physical stress and stress associated with chronic illness.

Wolfberry (Lycium barbarum)

·         Enhances Immune function

·         Improves Energy and reduces fatigue

·         Beneficial for Liver function

·         Helps improve sleep, concentration and stress

Schizandra (Schizndra chinesis)

·         Useful for liver detoxification

·         Boost stress protective effects

·         Enhances mental performance

·         Normalizes blood sugar levels

·         Traditionally used to treat asthma, dry cough,  night sweets and chronic fatigue

Rhodeodendron caucasicum

·         Unique for its ‘fat control’ and antioxidant properties.

·         Considered a longevity herb

·         Helps the body eliminate uric acid

Rhodiola rosea

·         Posses life extension potential

·         Improves circulation and immunity

·         Antioxidant and improves stamina and recovery

·         Alleviates anxiety and depression

·         Improves attention span memory

·         Relieves stress

·         Prevents fatigue and improves the body’s production of energy

Tribula terrestris

·         Improves  fertility and libido in men and women

·         Has a detoxifying effect on the liver

·          

Ashwangda (Withania somnifera)

·         Improves immune system

·         Increase energy, stamina and reduces fatigue

·         Alleviates anxiety, depression and stress

·         Improves Male fertility and libido

Shilajit – the Miracle of the Himalayas

·         Considered nature’s most perfect, potent nutrient dense food

·          Adaptogenic Properties – Helps the Body Adapt to Stress

·         Supports Longevity

·          Natural Aphrodisiac

·         Reduces Stress, Fatigue, and Muscle Weakness

·         Increases Immunity, Strength, and Endurance

·         Powerful Antioxidant – Counteracts Free-Radical Activity

·         Strengthens Digestion and Supports Absorption of Nutrients into the Body

·         Enhances Memory and Recall, Improves Cognitive Activity

·         Helps Balance Menstrual Cycle

·          Helps Decrease Body Fat and Increase Lean Muscle Mass

·          Reduces Allergies

·         Aids with Conditions of the Joints, Muscles, Bones, and Nerves

·         Anti-Inflammatory Agent

·          Enhances Skin Health

·          Supports the Functions of the Cardiovascular System

·         Supports in Balancing Cholesterol Levels

When Master formulator John Anderson with over 30 years industry experience comes out of retirement to create his own proprietary blend each ingredient is chosen to target the cause and relief of stress.  Having access the highest quality organic ingredients from the world over this no compromise blend is without rival. These are the other essential stress relieving tonics and ingredients chosen for their special qualities

The B vitamins support the adrenal and immune system

Alpha Lipoic Acid.

·         Powerful anti-aging and antioxidant properties

·         Cell protector

·         Immune enhancer

·         Boost Vitamin B’s convert carbohydrates, protein and fats into immediate energy source

70 Micro nutrients and organic ionic trace minerals

Bamboo

·         Aids digestion

·         High in silica (beneficial for hair skin and nails)

Fulvic Acid – Natures miracle molecule....

The strongest chelating agent known to man, it assists absorption of vitamins and minerals and enhances cell communication

Create this on a base of Quartz crystal mineral rich water with high levels of silica, calcium, magnesium and other vital minerals needed you our body for optimum health.

And you have the Ultimate “Anti-Stress”, Body-Balancing Rejuvenator . . .

Combining Ancient Wisdom with Modern Technology ~ over 100 Active Ingredients! It is known as the “Ultimate Body-Balancer and Rejuvenator”. . . assisting in the healing process . . .reducing the effects of Stress . . . creating Energy . . . and promoting optimal health.

Perfect for Body, Mind and Spirit!

#1 Daily “MUST TAKE” Anti-Stress Rejuvenator

Ionix Supreme... follow the link below

http://nutrifocusdiet.isagenix.com/au/en/ionixsupreme.dhtml

Could it be Food Allergy?

Eating food that you are ALLERGIC to can have some very serious consequences that may require hospitalization, the numbers of people afflicted with this condition is around 8% according to estimates.

Food intolerance is much more common and the signs and symptoms are varied in degree and reaction. It has been estimated that up to 75% of the population has some type of food intolerance.

Some common signs of food intolerance are; sneezing, wheezing, skin reactions and rashes, digestive disturbance; including gas, bloat, constipation and/or diarrhoea/cramp/IBS. Fatigue is frequent and there can be headache, vertigo and mouth ulcers.

A long list really, and many of those symptoms could be confused with a number of other health problems. It is important to discover if it is a troublesome food or number of different food, as it is perhaps the easiest of all health problems to control. Simply avoid the offending foods and the majority of the symptoms go away.

That sounds pretty simple, but to discover if it is in fact a food intolerance or not can be a little more complicated. The traditional method has been to do an elimination diet, which involves eating a very restricted diet until the symptoms subside then gradually introduce or challenge food groups in a controlled way. This is best done under the supervision of a qualified health professional.

Restricting dietary intake has it’s own draw backs, the calories for energy could be limited, nutrient to maintain a healthy functioning immune system may also be challenged. This can be aided a little by taking suitable supplements and herbals to support the person while doing the elimination diet. I can set you up with an elimination diet, email for details.

Personally I am not totally in favour of the elimination diet, for a number of reasons. Primarily, the person suffering from a host of the signs suggested above is already suffering from a compromised immune system and to remove more nutrients from their system would add to the stress on their immune system. Plus there are much quicker, ways to find out accurately exactly which foods pose a problem and how much of a problem that is, granted it cost more.

The immune system is perhaps the key factor when it comes to food intolerance. I explain it to my clients like this: Your immune system is like an army whose primary brief is to ward off invaders; it usually does a very good job of this, save the odd cold. If there is a lot of stress on the body, the immune system become over reactive, as it fatigues it begins to fire on anything that slightly resembles an invader. It is designed to remember ‘invaders’ for future reference, so once it takes begins to react to what is a normal food, it remembers this food as an invader in the future. Thus we have the reactions that show up as the signs and symptoms of food intolerance.
Stresses can come from the physical world, such as pollutions, environmental toxins (let’s face there is no shortage of those these days!) Household chemicals, food additives and colours, or even some medications. The stress could be from a lack; a lack of specific nutrients required to maintain a healthy immune system. Or it could be emotional stress, major life drama can have a massive effect on your health, please refer to a previous article “When Stress Affects Your Health” http://naturalwell-being.blogspot.com.au/2009/03/when-stress-affects-your-health.html

With careful questioning and iridology, sometimes prime suspect foods can be isolated and it may be just a matter of removing that food group for a period then challenging it at a later date. At the same time I find it very important to address specific areas to support individual’s wellness while this process is happening. Every person is unique and as a holistic health care professional it would be against everything I have been taught and believe in, I treat the whole person, not simply a sign or symptom.

For those whose indicators are not so clear and as a trained professional I cannot take an educated guess as to a particular food group, and for those who really want to know for sure exactly which foods could possibly be causing a host of distressing signs and symptoms, I prefer to use a food intolerance test.

The food intolerance test is a simple procedure; a kit is posted to the client with instructions for collection. The sample (a drop of blood) is sent via post to our fully accredited libratory for processing and the results returned within 10 days. Visit www.thehealtnut.com.au for more information.

Kathy Edwards, Naturopath, Wellness Business Coach; Specializing in Women’s Health, Hormone Balance, Stress, Food Intolerance and Anti-Aging
www.thehealthnut.com.au

25 Ways To Boost Your Immune System

25 Ways to Boost Your Immune System

The immune system main task is to defeat the attempts of environmental forces to overrun, destroy or gain control of any part of the body. The skin and mucus membranes are the first block to the detrimental microorganisms from entering the body. If dangerous microorganisms do gain entry to the body then it’s the task of your immune system to overcome the invasion. It sounds dramatic, yes but on a microscopic level it is all out war and your wonderful immune system does most of it’s work without you even being aware of it on a day to day basis. Often the only time it is noticed is when you feel unwell and ‘come down with the flu’.
We can tackle the problem with natural remedies effectively after you have already succumbed, or you can take preventative measures before you lose valuable work time feeling ill in bed for days on end.
Today we will look at effective, natural and safe ways to improve your immune system so it can keep doing the excellent work of protecting against invasion of harmful microorganisms.
1. Reduce Stress
2. Keep hydrated, drink more Water
3. Regular moderate Exercise
4. Optimal quantities of Sleep
5. Minerals – Zinc, and trace mineral Selenium
6. Whey Protein - Grade 7 organic, undenatured such as Isalean™ shakes found here: http://nutrifocusdiet.isagenix.com/au/en/isaleanshake_new.dhtml
7. Co Q 10
8. Vitamin D both these plus Resveratol is found in Ageless Actives More info here: http://nutrifocusdiet.isagenix.com/au/en/agelessactives.dhtml
9. Spirulina available at your health food store
10. Natural Yogurt – with live Lactobacillus bacteria or supplements
11. Flax Seed Oil – available in liquid or capsule form from your health food store
12. Garlic – raw garlic if used fresh or taken in capsule form
13. Beneficial Herbs –
14. a)Burdock, b) Siberian Ginseng, c) Ashwangandha, found in “Cleanse For Life” more info here: http://nutrifocusdiet.isagenix.com/au/en/cleanseforlife_new.dhtml
15. Echinacea – From your Health food store or Natural Therapist
16. Olive Leaf Extract – From your Health Food Store or Natural Therapist
17. Shiitake Mushrooms
18. Reishi Mushrooms
19. Eggs
20. Iron – natural forms co-factors vitamin C and B 12 enhance absorption
21. Healthy Mineral Balance – visit http://www.thehealthnut.com.au/ for your complimentary mineral assessment
22. Vitamin A
23. Vitamin E
24. Vitamin B1
25. Detox – the gentle way to clear the system of toxic overload is take a “Nutritional Cleanse”™ more info here: http://nutrifocusdiet.isagenix.com/au/en/thirtyday.dhtml

Big list that could be a little overwhelming or confusing, but I wanted to give you as many easily available options as possible. Your Natural Health Care Professional can help you determine the ideal combination of these important natural immune enhances.
Kathy Edwards Naturopath with over 20 years experience is now offering priority client programs begin with a complimentary telephone consult and online mineral assessment for improved wellbeing visit http://www.thehealthnut.com.au/ for more information.

What You Don't Know Will Kill You

I had the absolute pleasure of meeting an amazing, smart man this weekend. What a wonderful thing that we have Dr Colgan in our world!

His very informative talk focused on brain function and the loss of it with ageing. Interestingly he noted that they have found the 5 causes of Alzheimers and the scary bit is that the decline begins at around 30 years old!

Apart from scaring us, he did give hope with some very practicle things that can be done each and every day to help prevent the decline, or at least slow it down, even if we are no longer in our youthful 30's.

Dr Colgan is living proof that this system works, he is 72 years old and can do 1 handed pushup! He did them on the stage, very impressive, I do like a man with a fit and toned body.... joking :-)

Listen to what he has to say in this short video If your an athlete you will be interested in this as I am sure you have heard of Dr Colgan. If you are getting older you will be VERY interested to find out more of what this man and his colleges have been working on. There have been a number of MAJOR breakthroughs in the science of ageing. Enjoy!

Is It Really Worth It?

Is it really worth it?
Busy days often mean missed meals or grabbing something ‘on the go’, if you have food intolerance, this more than likely means eating unsuitable foods. The consequences of eating this rushed meal means you suffer from for the next 2-5 days.
Food intolerance and sensitivities, though give alarming and uncomfortable symptoms also have the benefit of reminding you to take better care of your nutrition and to slow down and take the time to enjoy your meal.
During the time I have spent in France renovating our old house, we had a constant frustration: We would rock up to the hardware store to purchase materials. We would happily hand our list over to the guy who was to serve us. It may have only been a short list, BUT, if it was 11.45 am, not a chance!
He would indignantly inform us that it’s not possible, it’s lunch time (well almost, lunch is 12 midday), and to come back at 2 pm after the midday meal. There was no choice but to go back home, have a relaxed lunch a head back to the hardware at 2pm! We even had the experience of a lady at the council office refusing to take a photo copy at 11.45...too close to lunch!
As funny and frustrating as this was, it teaches us an important lesson many of us simple do not even think of in our busy stressful lives. This is perhaps one of the contributing factors to the rising incidence of food intolerance and stress related disorders in our modern society today.
The lesson from our indignant French friends (whom by the way have low incidence of overweight & obesity & related disorders) is to take and make the time to eat in a relaxed way. Not only take time, but make it THE major priority of the day!
Also choose food that you know do not cause reactions and food intolerances. This may take some planning beforehand, such as ensuring you have packed your pantry with suitable healthy, natural foods. Carry a snack pack of suitable, nutritious foods and scope out food outlets where you know you can get a nice feed of food that does not cause reaction.
During times of stress and rushing is the time when it is the most important to stick to your regime, as stress contributes to reactive phases and if your sensitivities have been under control, times of high stress will often trigger them again.
Many clients whom have consulted with me tell of the beginning of their food intolerance coinciding with a very stressful event. This is not a coincidence, there is just so much your body, immune, and digestion can handle, it may then react in a way you do not appreciate with food intolerances and sensitivities.
Do you know which foods you are sensitive to? There are a number of ways to discover which foods are causing your health problems. There are two types of food reactions, one is a full blown allergy, and this involves the immune system and can be tested with a simple drop of blood. Our Nationally accredited laboratory can do this for you more information here: http://www.thehealthnut.com.au/testkits.htm
The other type of reaction is more to do with the organs of the digestive/elimination system. These may not show up with the blood allergy test as the immune system has not yet become involved.
These food sensitivities are best detected with our Nutri-Focus elimination and test diet, it takes around 3 weeks to discover which foods are causing the worst of your symptoms. Visit Naturopath online to set up a consultation where our Naturopath will set up an individual program to help your discover the offending foods. An important part of this program is to restore the vital functions of your digestive and elimination systems with carefully selection herbals and nutritional supplements. Click here to read more: http://www.thehealthnut.com.au/onlineND.htm

ADHD drugs cause depression and psycotic episodes

At least 30 children have had psychotic episodes and wanted to kill themselves while taking drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to reports.

Documents from the Therapeutic Goods Administration outline the figures, Sydney's Daily Telegraph says.

One seven-year-old boy became so depressed while taking Ritalin in 2008 that he tried to commit suicide while an eight-year-old hallucinated that spiders were crawling up his skin after taking ADHD drugs.

The newspaper also reports that the overall number of serious reactions to ADHD drugs has doubled to 827 in the last three years.

However, the true extent of side-effects being experienced may be hidden because of doctors and parents under-reporting the impact.

Experts in children's health say there is a clear link between ADHD drugs and psychotic episodes in children, with boys said to be worse affected than girls.
from AAP 13th Oct 2009

Drug free treatment for ADHD and related conditions is possible and effective.

visit my website http://www.thehealthnut.com.au or contact me for more information

Sydney Mind Body Spirit Festival

Come visit me on stand E05, and have some fun at the Sydney Mind Body Spirit Festival, November 5-8th 2009. Darling Harbour.

The Festival is open between 10 am and 7 pm each day.

I will be conducting private Holistic Health Coaching Session, around 20 minutes each session.

Your Private Health Coaching Session show special is just $25, plus if you book ahead you get your entry to the Festival Half Price.
Book and pay before the festival and get your Half price entry ticket.

I will email the ticket to you, and you just pay $8 to get into the show.

There will lot's to do and see at the Festival read about it here:
http://www.mbsfestival.com.au/index.php

To instantly grab your preferred slot, simply click on the link below or copy and paste it into your browser.

http://KATESABATHIE-EDWARDS.clickbook.net



I can't wait to see you there!

Kate

kathy@thehealthnut.com.au