Blog
New Year Home Detox
After the overindulgence of Christmas quite a number of clients are asking me which detox they should do. There are so many books suggesting the so-called ideal detox but one size just doesn't fit all. For those of you interested in learning more about the hows and whys, do email me because next month I'll be running a detox workshop with lots of different suggestions and options.
It's with this theme in mind that I thought it would be fitting to blog about detox in the home - all the cosmetics, household products, kitchen utensils and whatnots with which we surround ourselves.
Many of the products we bring into our homes actually contain toxins which can be quite hazardous to our health.
For a start, do you know exactly what you are putting on your body, you face...or in your hair? A lot of us have probably read about the recent sad story of the young woman who reacted to her hair dye...
Think about all the STUFF us girls have in our bathrooms! The shampoos and bath oils, our creams, not to mention toothpaste and antiperspirants...Ok, yes there are some ‘favourites’ which we may think we can’t live without. But there are so many excellent new and more natural options out there, it’s worth giving them a chance. Plus with all the allergies and intolerances that appear to be on the rise, it’s far safer to increase the amount of natural - and fragrance-free products we use on ourselves.
For starters take a look at www.beingcontent.co.uk Not only is it a great online shop with organic brands ranging from Ren to Less is More, Julique, Weleda, to name but a few, but it is a great source of information. Check out its ‘Knowledge’ section (in the top right-hand corner of the home page) where you can investigate things like The Cosmetics Database EWG - here you type in your own products and see how they rate on the ‘hazardous or not’ scale! Yikes, be prepared....
Anousta, in Pamphill, Wimborne is known to many here in East Dorset. Linda, the owner, will help you find the organic skin product you need - she and her team make most of them and she can give you great individualised advice.
In the kitchen try replacing plastic and teflon with ceramic or glass. If you do want to have a pan which is easy and efficient there’s a brand I’m currently trying out - the ‘Green-pan’, which has a non-stick coating made of minerals instead of plastics - resistant to high temperatures, plus energy-saving.
Try to store food in glass rather than plastic in order to avoid BPA leaching into your food [google Bisphenol A and you’ll be throwing away your cling film). Plastic acts as a xeno-oestrogen, ie. mimics our own oestrogen hormones and thus affects the balance in our endocrine (hormonal) system. If you must use plastic try to keep it from touching food. Plastic in the oven or microwave is definitely to be avoided.
Replace as many cleaning products as possible with natural alternatives. Eco is a well-known brand which most supermarkets stock, but you can make some yourself. Here are some ideas:
1 part water to 1 part vinegar will clean most things in the home - add your favourite essential oil, eg. lavender (although the smell of vinegar will disappear as it dries anyway).
Try washing your clothes with a natural alternative. I bought soapnut shells last year - don’t laugh, they’re great! These are the shell of the fruit of the sapindus tree. When the shells come into contact with water they release saponin (soap). They come with a muslin drawstring bag and just get placed in your washing drum amongst the clothes. They are a natural softener and leave washing smelling neutral. After about 5 washes you replace the shells - I think I have 65 washes in the ‘Living Naturally’ box I bought at the ‘Organic Show’ in Bournemouth - great value.
Lemon juice is a good way to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits, or try olive oil mixed with half a cup lemon juice as an effective furniture polish for hardwood furniture.
Baking soda is great for scrubbing surfaces - also good as a deodorizer.
Lemon juice can be mixed with vinegar and/or baking soda to make a host of different cleaning pastes.
And then there’s the good ole ‘airing’ your house whenever you can - even in this cold weather, open windows in the bedrooms as you’re tidying up - don’t forget to close them with these gale force winds we’ve being having of late!
If you’re looking at decorating your home - and especially if you have family members who already suffer from allergies/intolerances - try to find ‘green’ alternatives when looking at new carpeting or paint. Paints, varnishes and glues can release VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) for years, so check out low, or zero, VOC paints.
Try to find clothes and sheets made of natural fabrics. Cream & Co is but one suggestion - www.creamandco.com. You can find a great range of clothes and products - all made from organic cotton or bamboo.
Some interesting sites to look at on the internet would be the Time list of common household toxins; also an article about improving your indoor air by The Ecologist -their website is www.theecologist.org , and for articles about the effects of BPA try www.scientificamerican.com.
Past blogs....
Iridology, what’s it about?
I’ve been busy this year doing a postgrad course in Iridology. There are not many colleges which are recognised by the Society of Iridologists hence it took me a while to find one. I wanted an internationally recognized course which would work around my life in Dorset..with a teacher ‘par excellence’, one with a wealth of experience and, more important still, the ability to pass on that understanding, some of those proverbial pearls of wisdom.
Peter Jackson-Main has written a book on Iridology, lectures all over the country, attends and talks at international conferences....and is indeed an inspired teacher in the London college where I'm studying. With any luck, and lots of case-taking and reading, I’ll qualify early 2012.
So what exactly is Iridology? To take a leaf out of Jackson-Main’s book - literally - it’s the examination and analysis of the iris - the coloured part of the eye - in order to determine factors that may be vital in the prevention and treatment of disease.
I can hear you wondering what THAT all means. Let me try to explain.
The first few times I looked through the iridology magnifying torch at various sets of eyes, it was like looking at mysterious planets. Round balls of colour - different shades of blue or green or brown...or apparent mixes of the lot! And then a layer on top, like landscapes opening up into a fine carpet of white combed hair, or patterns of loops, some with dips and hillocks, troughs and spikes, or with freckles and washes of contrasting colour, or splatterings of dark brown shrapnel. Still others had what appeared to be holes - piercingly small, black, diamond-shaped ones, or large holes like loose skeins of wool looped into daisy petals, reminiscent of those net-like vests the fashion industry misdirected men to wear in the eighties. These coloured orbs were magical, and all the more so when I then had to come to grips with a complicated-looking chart of the 'Topography of the Irides' [plural, pronounced ‘eye-rid-ease’] which shows the respective body organs that correspond to every part of these two wonderful mini planets.
No wonder every iris is unique to each person. So much room for individuality, so many different colours and patterns emerging. I’m reminded of those films, those action thrillers, where eyes are scanned before important doors spring open, for the iris is even more unique and individual than the proverbial thumbprint.
A large percentage of what we see in the iris is the footprint we are born with, the one which more or less forms in our very young years. These might show a genetic predisposition to certain types of illnesses, or familial tendencies, inherited weaknesses, which we’d do well to be aware of and look after; organs which may or may not need support - depending on how well one has taken heed of a healthy diet and lifestyle. And then there’s the other percentage, the acquired markings , the ones we pick up as we grow older, and those which might denote a possible condition in the making, one which may need attention.
No surprise that iridology is a wonderful diagnostic tool for any discipline, whether nutrition or herbal medicine, naturopathy or conventional medicine. It gives that added dimension to a consultation, confirming what the practitioner and client have discussed, or revealing something that has been forgotten. What it does is help people assume responsibility for their health, gives the incentive to make appropriate adjustments to nutrition, emotions and lifestyle in order to be as well and happy as possible.
Check out this amazing site and you'll understand what I mean...
http://www.photographyserved.com/Gallery/Your-beautiful-eyes/428809
[September 2011]
Summer - some basic, and not so basic, health tips
We all know the health risks of sun exposure and yet we all love being in the sun - no surprise when we hear about the benefits of vitamin D - fast becoming the star vitamin of the decade, and one of the few vitamins our bodies can make, literally from the sun and converted in our skin.
Apart from the health benefit sun gives us via vitamin D, a lot of us just like to have a tan - we feel better, we look healthier. So, how do we avoid the damage sun can wreak? The mantra back home in Sydney was: stay out of the sun between 10 and 4pm - applied particularly to young children since most sun skin damage begins in the early years. Also be aware that if you’re fair you have less melanin and therefore less natural protection in your skin.
I think that mantra still holds firm, so if you’re outdoors for any length of time, try to choose your time wisely...and if you can’t then at least cover up: wear a hat and loose, long sleeves if you can stand it...I will soon be away in the sun and am already ensuring I have some lovely light, longer sleeved tops with me - and of course a great hat from Maya in Sydney!
There is a lot of discussion about the risks of rubbing sun screen creams on our skin - and then baking it in as we lie outside for hours on end. Can’t be good, surely. Especially when we read the list of chemicals on these tubes (and yes, I know chemicals are found in nature, but certainly not the man-made, perfumed conglomerate lists we find on the packages of these sun screens). Google a great shop up in London which sells natural beauty and health products, Being content [www.beingcontent.com] and check out their ‘Knowledge’ section with various links to sites specialising in beauty products and what these products contain.
If you’re anything like me, you will attract any flying THING that has a sting to it. I bought a spray from The Organic Pharmacy years ago - it contains neem, rosemary, citronella, lemon, eucalyptus and more - and it works a treat for me. From the very same store (you can google and order online) you can also find homeopathic tablets for insect bites. Another fact to be aware of is the benefit of taking a B vitamin complex - mosquitoes apparently can’t stand the taste - and you’ll be nurturing your nervous system at the same time :)
Planning to go walking in long grass or woods? Particularly where deer are found? Then wear long trousers if possible - and tuck them into socks (yes, I agree, not a great look, but...). In case you caught the Radio 2 discussion a couple of weeks ago, they were talking about the increase of Lyme disease in UK (worldwide actually...).
Lyme - or Borreliosis, named after the infecting pathogen, borrelia burgdorferi - is an insidious disease if left untreated. If you find a tick on you, remove it carefully (you can buy the utensil for the very job, either from a well-stocked pharmacy - or your local vet!) If you get a bull’s eye rash, fever or headaches or generally feel unwell, go to your doctor, explain you were bitten by a tick, and you will most likely be put on oral penicillin. And that will be the end of it.
Not everyone however gets the tell-tale rash (in fact some 60% may not), and you may attribute the headache or fever to a possible flu and ignore it. Be aware: if Lyme is in your body for more than 6 weeks and less than a year, it’s said to be disseminated Lyme - in this period, initial non-specific symptoms may gradually change, causing symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, numbness, tingles, ‘brain fog’...and more.
The symptoms of Lyme disease are so similar to many other common illnesses that it’s easy to misdiagnose and not undergo necessary testing. Disseminated Lyme requires treatment with antibiotics for a longer period of time - often the duration of treatment mirrors the duration of the initial infection and illness.
Chronic Lyme - defined as lasting for 1 or more years, is the start of a clinically significant immune breakdown. Sadly, because most Lyme tests are blood tests measuring immune response to B burgdorferi, a weakened immune system may result in false negative tests. If you'd like more information on Lyme contact me, or contact Breakspear Medical Group in Hertfordshire, www.breakspearmedical.com
A positive last thought: make the most of all the delicious fresh organic vegetables and fruit your local farmshop or supermarket has on offer. Loads of vitamins and minerals not to mention a great source of fibre (to keep you ‘regular’ throughout the summer)...and of course, those antioxidants to combat the damage done by excess skin exposure...or excess sun creams! The more colour on your plate, the more variety of these health-giving phytonutrients, so enjoy lots of them.
The power of turmeric
Herbs and spices have always been a great way to enhance your cooking... but are you aware that they can optimize your health as well?
I’ve talked about cinnamon in a past blog but there is another spice which is a favourite of mine and has had a lot of positive results from research, namely turmeric.
This spice supports healthy joint function, promotes your immune system and also improves digestion. All this mainly due to the curcumin it contains - a curcuminoid antioxidant which is also responsible for turmeric’s yellow colour and potency; (the colour in antioxidants is invariably the reason for their effectiveness...think of blueberries or carrots, both colourful and containing well researched antioxidants).
While I’m at it, let’s talk a bit about antioxidants. Oxidation by free radicals happens all the time both through normal metabolic processes going on in our bodies - for instance breathing! - but also through the external effects of pollution, toxins in foods, smoking, stress... the list continues. Free radicals can damage cells and organs and play a huge part in the ageing process; one of the reasons why antioxidants have become such a mantra these days. They come in many forms - vitamins C and E for instance have great value as antioxidants, as do minerals like zinc and selenium...and of course herbs and spices such as turmeric.
Apparently the antioxidants in turmeric’s curcuminoids are five times stronger than vitamin E and three times more powerful than grape seed extract. These curcuminoids also support blood and liver functions and hence turmeric has been considered the ‘skin food’ for thousands of years in India.
Turmeric is a principle herb in Ayurveda - India’s ancient holistic health system. Ayurveda by the way means knowledge of life, and herbs are at the very heart of Ayurvedic medicine.
Sources of turmeric are easy to find but finding something of reputable organic quality is not always easy. I buy my turmeric from Steenbergs (online) as I always want to be sure of the source and storage of plants and herbs. Remember the more you cook it the less power the curcuminoids will have, so if you do add it to a meal, do so at the last minute. I like to sprinkle some on a boiled egg (instead of salt). I know of one brave soul who comes to my Monday Club and takes a teaspoon daily in water (I still haven’t tried it, but after this blog I think I will...). It was fascinating to hear that he noticed less stiffness in his hands and fingers after only a month or so.
If you don’t fancy a glass of turmeric and want to take it in supplement form look for 100% organic-based turmeric which doesn’t have too many fillers, additives and excipients. And if in capsule form then choose a vegetable capsule rather than gelatine-based capsules.
Why an apple a day?
I was just typing up some recipes for my next ‘healthy cooking’ day and realized that I’ve never really listed all the health facts about apples. Considering it’s the name of my business I think it’s time I had an apple blog....
What do we know other than it’s a great source of vitamin C? (Did you in fact know that? Needless to say we all know the health benefits of vitamin C ....if not, come to my immune-boosting workshop on 24th January ;))
Dietary fibre is of course the first thought when we’re talking fruit and veg. But what does dietary fibre actually mean when discussing apples? Firstly the insoluble fibre works like roughage and latches onto the LDl, the so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol, in the digestive tract and removes it from the body. Then there’s the soluble fibre, the pectin, which reduces the amount of LDL cholesterol produced in the liver.
So from a cholesterol - and heart health - point of view, apples are a must.
But pectin does much more... It acts as a stool softener by drawing water into the stool and increasing it’s bulk, thus relieving constipation. On the other hand, because pectin firms up excessively loose stool it can also be useful in treating diarrhoea. What a great adaptagenic role! And if you think how important a healthy digestive tract is you can understand why apples are cited as a vital food in the avoidance of colon cancer.
Pectin (that word again) does even more. It supplies galacturonic acid to the body which lowers the body's need for insulin, hence would be a useful food in the management of diabetes.
What else can we get from do apples? Malic and tartaric acid, both of which help prevent disturbances of the liver and digestion. Also a number of flavonoids, one called quercetin, [found in the actual apple skin, another reason to eat organic]. This flavonoid has received so much attention in recent years mainly due to its anti inflammatory role. Across the board you will now find it in the best anti-inflammatory supplements, many of which address allergic conditions. Together with the flavonoid naringin, it may also lower the risk of developing lung cancer. Finally, quercetin is also being researched for its potential to protect brain cells from free radical damage - so might apples be a food to consider when facing a disease like Alzheimer’s?
French researchers found that another flavonoid, phloridzin, which is only found in apples, may protect post-menopausal women from osteoporosis - and might also increase bone density. (By the way, boron, another ingredient in apples, is a mineral which plays a big role in strengthening bones).
Researchers at the University of California, Davis, found that apple extracts were even able to protect cells from the effects of tumour necrosis factor - a compound that triggers cell death and promotes inflammation - by inhibiting the signals in its pathway that would otherwise damage or kill cells.
Is there no end to the health potential of the humble apple?
Read or have a google please and do let me know what else you find...
Until then, well wishes from appleaday!
Fats in our fields?
When you take a drive into the countryside you will soon see great expanses of pale blue flowers - you’re probably looking at fields full of fat - namely linseed or flax. These plants contain vital essential fatty acids - called essential because our bodies can’t make them; we can only obtain them through our diet.
What essential fats am I talking about? In flaxseed it’s mainly omega- 3 and omega 6. The omega 3 in flax is called alpha linolenic acid - also found in other seeds/nuts like rape and walnut. In addition, linseeds contain omega 9, but our bodies can make this as required. The fats I’m definitely not talking about are saturated fats - found in meat, dairy, processed foods and linked to many degenerative conditions because we’re just eating too much of them.
I think we’ve all heard about omegas by now but why are these so-called ‘good’ fats so vital? For a start every cell membrane in our body has a fine balance of them. They are needed to make all hormones in the body with the omega 3s in particular providing anti-inflammatory hormones. If you consider that most diseases, from cardio-vascular to arthritis to hives, colitis, eczema and other allergic conditions all involve inflammation, then it’s little wonder that omega 3s like flaxseeds pack such a important punch.
These essential fatty acids have been shown to help reduce blood viscosity, lower lipid levels, reduce clotting and lower blood pressure...what a huge role in decreasing today’s risk of heart disease! Also they promote healthy skin, hair and nails and are a source of lignans which have beneficial effects on hormones. They contain plant-based oestrogens called phytoestrogens which mimic the female sex hormone oestrogen and thus can have beneficial effects on the menstrual cycle, balancing the ratio of oestrogen to progesterone, helping to improve uterine function and helping some with menopausal symptoms. Finally they are an excellent source of fibre and will therefore help to keep you ‘regular’.
So if you’re not taking flaxseed already why don’t you introduce it into your life - 1-2 tbsp of freshly ground seeds on your morning oats or muesli (or if you can’t grind them, soak overnight so that they will not just pass through you). Or add it to salads - just don’t cook with it as the nutrients will be lost.
Scintillating Cinnamon
Cinnamon has a long history both as a spice and as a medicine. The two varieties - Chinese (‘true cinnamon’) and Ceylon (‘cassia’) - have a similar flavour however the cinnamon from Ceylon is slightly sweeter - also more difficult to obtain. Ceylon cinnamon is produced in Sri Lanka, India, Madagascar, Brazil and the Caribbean; cassia is mainly produced in China, Vietnam and Indonesia. The brown bar of the cinnamon tree is available in dried tubular form known as a quill, or as ground powder. Ground cinnamon will stay fresh for about six months; the quill will stay fresh for one year. Its unique health benefits come from three components in the essential oils found in the bark namely cinnamaldehyde, cinnamyl acetate and cinnamyl alcohol.
Cinnamaldehyde has been well researched for its effects on blood platelets - helps prevent unwanted clumping, and for this reason cinnamon is considered an anti-inflammatory food.
Its essential oils also qualify it as an anti-microbial food as it can help stop the growth of bacteria and fungi including the candida yeast.
If you are trying to limit your intake of sugar then try replacing it with cinnamon. Not only does it have a naturally sweet taste but, more importantly, it lessens the impact of high carbohydrate food on your blood sugar levels. It slows the rate at which the stomach empties after meals, reducing the rise in blood sugar after eating. Cinnamon may significantly help people with type 2 diabetes improve their ability to respond to insulin thus normalizing their blood sugar levels. Compounds in cinnamon not only stimulate insulin receptors but also inhibit an enzyme that inactivates them, thus significantly increasing the cell’s ability to use glucose.
Some research also shows that the scent of cinnamon may boost brain activity and studies are being carried out to evaluate cinnamon’s potential for enhancing cognition in the elderly.
Cinnamon is an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, a very good source of dietary fibre, iron and calcium. Both fibre and calcium can bind to bile salts and help remove them from the body.
Cinnamon has also been valued in energy-based medical systems such a TCS for its warming qualities. It provides relief with the onset of a cold especially when mixed with fresh ginger.