Kerrin Booth Naturopath

AGING

Ageing is a natural process, but the rate at which we age is, to a degree, under our control. Many people say you are as old as you feel, and a positive mental outlook coupled with a healthy diet is vital if you want to slow the ageing process. People who are negative and angry tend to age faster than happy, relaxed people do. A study was done in the United States where a group of men in their seventies were installed in a University campus, which had been transformed into a replica University from the 1950s. The men were dressed in clothes from the fifties and asked to behave just as they did when attending college. After three weeks the researchers assessed each individual for the biological age by measuring factors such as muscle strength and blood pressure. Biological age had decreased by an average of three years …it certainly helps to think young!

Ageing is defined as growing old, maturing. Mentally, is can be seen as growing wiser, developing like a fine wine. It signifies progressive changes related to the passage of time. Physically, it means not replacing enough cells to maintain complete function. There is no precise method for determining the rate or degree of ageing. It is the physiological changes that occur with ageing that we need to look at and hopefully slow down. Diminishing impulses between nerve cells, poor circulation and decreasing sensory perception affect the brain. Body cells succumb to oxidative damage, digestion becomes sluggish, the liver becomes congested and the immune system does not function as well as it used to. Emotional trauma and multiple losses occurring in older age often lead to a diminished investment in life and the stress of demanding situations often contributes to what appears to be a physical illness.

Ageing is largely due to the effect of damaging substances in the body called "free radicals". Free radicals are dangerous chemicals, which are produced continuously in the body, and they cause oxidative damage unless kept in check by the antioxidants. In the body, oxygen atoms live together in pairs. The strength of their togetherness depends on the protection supplied by the free radical scavengers, or antioxidants. When antioxidants are short, when the diet contains an overdose of undesirable fats or when the body is exposed excessively to pollution, radiation, infection, stress, smoking, etc, the oxygen atoms break up and form individual free radicals. These free radicals are desperate for a partner to bond with again and create a roller coaster effect, which produces new free radicals. The resulting havoc causes damage to cells, causing tissues to become cross-linked (a wrinkle is the result of cross-linking), suppressing the manufacture of new healthy cells, reducing the body´s ability to fight infection and to repair cell damage — in other words, encouraging premature ageing and degenerative disease.

Free radical production is increased through inhaling cigarette smoke, car exhaust fumes, pollution and by eating fried, barbecued or fatty food. Excessive alcohol, stress and over-exposure to sunlight also increase free radical damage. Whilst you cannot completely avoid free radicals, as they are produced in the body as part of normal everyday metabolism, you can help to protect your cells against their effects by "mopping" them up with antioxidant nutrients. A good combined antioxidant supplement should contain beta-carotene, vitamins C, E, K, B1, B5 and B6, zinc, selenium and herbs such as garlic and ginseng.

There is little point in taking vitamins and supplements to combat the ageing process if your diet is unhealthy. Drinking two litres of filtered water per day is of major importance in flushing damaging toxins from the body, supporting the kidneys and preventing dehydration. Dehydration is thought to contribute to senility by causing shrinkage of the brain and certainly contributes to dry, unhealthy-looking skin. Tea, coffee and alcohol should be reduced as they can cause dehydration. An additional cup of water should be drunk for each cup of coffee, tea or alcohol taken.

A diet high in fibre and nutrients and low in saturated fats, additives and preservatives and refined carbohydrates, such as white flour and sugar is desirable. Eat plenty of brown rice, good quality wholemeal bread, beans, lentils, organic fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds. Eating too much refined sugar speeds the ageing process and depletes the body of chromium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Saturated fats, found in red meat, dairy produce and fast foods, can block the pores in the skin and accelerate ageing. For beautiful skin we need essential fatty acids found in fish, fish oil, nuts, seeds and avocado.

Get plenty of exercise but not to excess. At least 30 minutes three times a week is ideal. Yoga is also wonderful for keeping the joints supple and meditation reduces stress, which can age us faster than any other factor. Too much sun is ageing but we do need some sunshine to produce vitamin D, which helps to keep bones healthy. Wear a sunscreen during the summer months whenever you are outside to protect the skin.

Choosing your skin care product is vital to healthy skin. You shouldn´t use anything on your skin that isn´t good enough to eat! This is because the skin does absorb the products that are put on it. Choose a natural skin care product that combines herbal remedies, aromatherapy and antioxidant nutrients. Make sure your "natural" product is actually natural and does not contain synthetic substances. If chemicals, concentrated pollutants and petroleum by-products such as paraffin are put on the skin, then the delicate skin structure may be weakened, regardless of how many good substances are in conjunction with them.

Apart from the antioxidant aspect, there are various herbs that can help to support the body as it approaches old age. Keeping the circulation going is very important, and Ginkgo biloba is a herb that increases circulation to the hands and feet and also to the brain, enhancing memory and concentration. This immune system can be supported with Echinacea and the heart by Crataegus, or Hawthorn berries. The nervous system includes the brain and this can be nourished by Avena sativa, or oats, lecithin and essential fatty acids including fish oil, nuts, seeds and avocado.

Of course, everyone is different and has their own range of health problems, and their own family history of possible inherited conditions. A naturopathic consultation will address the needs of the individual, give advice on antioxidants both in the diet and as supplements, and make sure any herbal medicines you intend to take are safe for you and with your medication.

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ALLERGIES

The foods you eat and the nutritional supplements you can take may have a profound influence on your health. How can you find out whether you are allergic to diet or environment? And how do you cope?

Allergic disorders, such as hay fever, are extremely common. Symptoms of these conditions, for example a runny nose, itchy eyes, dry cough, or inflamed, itchy skin develop as a result of an exaggerated response by the body´s immune systems to substances that in other people would not cause any harm.
Allergy-based diseases tend to run in families. For example, 70 per cent of people with allergic eczema have a close relative with an allergic disorder. Therefore it is likely that a genetic factor is involved.
Allergic symptoms may be brought on by contact between the skin and the offending agent, by inhalation, by swallowing, or by exposure through the outer surface of the eye. Once an initial contact has caused sensitisation of cells in the immune system, subsequent exposure rapidly produces symptoms.

FOOD ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE?

ALLERGY
There are two main types of food "allergy". One is the true food allergy or food sensitivity, which involves a response by the immune system, in which antibodies are formed. It usually only involves one or two foods and often affects infants and children with a background of disorders like eczema, asthma and hayfever. Milk, eggs and wheat are the foods most likely to cause a problem. Other foods that can cause allergic reactions are eggs, peanuts, fish and shellfish.
Adverse reactions to foods may sometimes start within a few seconds of eating the "trigger" food. Symptoms include tingling in the mouth, swelling of the lips, abdominal distension, vomiting, griping windy stomach pain and diarrhoea. If you suffer from this kind of food allergy the only effective treatment is to cut out the offending foods from your diet.
You can identify your "culprit" food with an exclusion diet; your symptoms may worsen after stopping the food, but continued avoidance should bring relief. However to be really safe, you should consult your health practitioner before starting yourself on any sort of diet for a self-diagnosed food allergy. Remember, sometimes allergies can be "masked", meaning that symptoms may be due to quite another factor altogether. Also, although most allergic reactions are experienced almost immediately, in some cases it may be a food you eat all the time.

INTOLERANCE
Even more common, however, is an "allergic" reaction to chemicals which are either naturally occurring in food or have been added to food e.g. preservatives or colours. This response is better described as a chemical intolerance rather than an immune response. The symptoms produced can very from person to person, but can include bowel irritation, recurrent hives, stomach pains, headaches (including migraines), aches and pains usually associated with the flu, as well as a felling of fatigue. In children the symptoms that occur may lead them to be diagnosed as being "hyper-active".
Another important point to note about food or chemical intolerance is that it can be dose dependent, as opposed to the all or nothing response to allergies. This means that a threshold intake of a particular chemical must be reached before symptoms appear. This threshold will differ between people and may even change for a person overtime depending on their general health or other factors. This and the fact that the chemicals that cause intolerance can occur across a number of different foods means it may not be easy for people when they develop symptoms of food intolerance, to pin-point their problems to the food they eat.
The food chemicals that most commonly cause problems are the salicylates (also found in aspirin, perfumes etc), amines, MSG (a commonly used flavour enhancer), some preservatives and colours.
Some foods, for example tomatoes, may be rich in salicylates, amines and naturally occurring MSG!
If you think that you may have a problem with chemical intolerance, consult your Naturopath who may put you on an exclusion diet or refer you for food sensitivity testing. To help avoid-or at least minimise-food sensitivity in a baby, ideally breast-feed completely for at least six months, especially if there is a family history of allergy. It is best to consult with a Naturopath for advice on the safest foods to introduce first to a baby with a family history of allergies or sensitivities.

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ANAEMIA

Every part of the body needs oxygen to survive. Oxygen is transported around the body attached to a substance called haemoglobin, which is contained in red blood cells. The life of a red blood cell is about 120 days. The bone marrow produces and replaces them at a rate that enables their number to be maintained. To keep up with this process, all the nutrients required for red blood cell manufacture must be supplied on a daily basis. Anaemia is a reduction in the amount of haemoglobin in the bloodstream and/or a reduction in the number of red blood cells themselves, reducing the amount of oxygen available to all body cells.

When a person is anaemic, carbon dioxide accumulates in the cells, causing decreased cell efficiency and lower rates of body processes. When the brain cells are deprived of oxygen, dizziness and even fainting may result. As the need for oxygen is related to physical activity, a person leading a sedentary life may have a moderate degree of anaemia and yet be entirely free of symptoms, though these develop if unaccustomed exercise is taken. Any significant degree of anaemia is always associated with an inability to make sustained physical effort.

As anaemia often develops very slowly, the person may gradually and unknowingly reduce physical activity to a lower level. Thus it is not unusual to find someone undertaking his or her normal routine with a low hemoglobin level, but doing it more slowly. Other common symptoms of anaemia are general fatigue and lassitude, breathlessness on exertion, giddiness, dimness of vision, headache, insomnia, pallor of the skin, palpitation, loss of appetite, indigestion, tingling and "pins and needles" in the fingers and toes. The nails can become brittle and dry and in more severe cases flattened, thin and spoon shaped.

There are many different types of anaemia with different causative factors. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia and rarely results from a straightforward deficiency in the diet, although this can be seen in vegetarians. This type of anaemia effects mainly women in their reproductive years, infants and children. Anaemia often arises from recurrent infections and/or diseases involving the entire body. Losing more blood than the body can replace naturally causes it. In women the most common causes of excessive blood loss are heavy periods and repeated pregnancies. Women with excessively heavy periods should see their practitioner who can address this problem. For the production of haemoglobin and red blood cells in the bone marrow, many co-factors are required, including vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12, C, E, and folic acid as well as iron, manganese and copper.

Iron-deficiency anaemia is the most common form of anaemia and has been called the "world´s most common disease", because so many people in developing countries, with inadequate vegetarian diets, suffer from it. Even in developed countries iron deficiency is common. A 1994 study found that a high percentage of women do not receive the recommended daily intake of iron (12mg a day for ages 19 to 54 and 6mg a day for ages 54 and over). A study published in 1991 concluded that the average menstruating adult needs 19mg per day, a menstruating teenager needs 21mg per day and that 20 percent of women were iron deficient. Iron should be given in a form that is easy to absorb and not too irritating on the mucous membranes of the digestive system, which some forms of iron are. Perhaps the best iron supplement is iron phosphate, as it is a more "natural" form of iron and is well tolerated by most people.

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes pernicious anaemia and is commonly found in vegans and the elderly. B12 is found only in animal products except for Spirulina. Spirulina is a remarkable supplement for vegans and vegetarians as it contains significant amount of vitamin B12, iron and protein, as well as all the other vitamins and minerals. Look for a certified organic brand of Spirulina. Folic acid performs an important role in the formation of heme, the iron-containing protein found in haemoglobin. Anaemia not responding to iron supplementation may be caused by a deficiency of folic acid. A good B complex accompanying an iron supplement is a good idea to provide folic acid (vitamin B9), vitamin B12 and vitamins B1, B2, B5 and B6, which are also essential for the production of red blood cells.

Vitamin C also plays a very important role in anaemia by aiding the uptake of iron. Vitamin E has the ability to unite with oxygen and prevent it being converted into toxic peroxides. This is part of vitamin Es antioxidant action and it also leaves the red blood cells more fully supplied with the pure oxygen that the blood carries to the heart and other organs. Vitamin E also protects the red blood cells from destruction by poisons, such as hydrogen peroxide, in the blood.

Protein is also essential for the manufacture of red blood cells, as it is important in the structure of every cell. Vegans are particularly at risk of protein deficiency if they dont combine their foods properly to maximise protein intake from their diet. This, combined with their tendency to lack vitamin B12 and iron, makes them the perfect candidate for anaemia and particularly if feeling fatigued, pale or dizzy it is recommended they get their iron levels checked regularly. Loss of protein also occurs as a result of particular body stresses, such as surgery, haemorrhage, wounds or prolonged illness. These are also conditions where one is likely to become iron and B vitamin deficient, therefore also a perfect time for anaemia to occur.

Copper is a trace mineral found in all body tissues. Copper assists the formation of haemoglobin and red blood cells by facilitating iron absorption. Although copper deficiencies are rare, copper does work with iron to form haemoglobin, thereby helping in the treatment of anaemia. In any type of illness that is due to the deficiency of a nutrient, the digestive system must be addressed. If there is a deficiency of hydrochloric acid in the digestive system, this may be impairing iron absorption and therefore anaemia will result. If the person suffers from digestive disorders such as indigestion, wind or bloating, it is possible that they have a deficiency of hydrochloric acid and they need to rectify this by taking a bitter herbal formula before each meal.

The best way to treat anaemia is to see a Naturopath, who can check for certain deficiency signs and guide you towards the best and safest supplements, as well as improving your diet to receive optimum nutrition.

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ANXIETY

Anxiety is described as a feeling of apprehension, worry, uneasiness or dread, especially of the future.

Everyone has been anxious at some time. Anxiety is the normal reaction to something that is threatening our body, lifestyle, values or loved ones. A certain amount of anxiety is normal and stimulates us to purposeful action.

Excess anxiety makes us feel uncomfortable, stressed and interferes with the efficient functioning of our minds and our bodies. Often we enter a vicious cycle where anxiety produces mor

There are several tools in the Naturopathic System we can use to address anxiety on different levels. The most important and fundamental is the diet. As some of the side effects of caffeine are known to be anxiety, palpitations, insomnia and an increased feeling of "stress", the most important dietary recommendation is to avoid all caffeine.

Food intolerances can also contribute to anxiety. There are certain minerals, especially Magnesium phosphate which we use for calming the nervous system and helping the muscles to relax. Herbs that relax the nervous system are also used for anxiety.

Most importantly in the treatment of worry, stress and anxiety are the Bach Flower Remedies and the Australian Bush Flower Essences. These work on a mental and emotional level to help you resolve the drama and concerns of life and to bring about balance, as well as assisting decision making, direction and life purpose. They help to resolve negative thoughts and beliefs thereby bringing about healing and calm.

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ASTHMA

Asthma is a condition caused by increased responsiveness of the respiratory passages to various stimuli, or triggers, resulting in spasm or constriction of the bronchial airways. This is exacerbated by the secretion of a very thick, sticky mucous instead of the normal fluid phlegm.
Symptoms usually include
-Difficulty in breathing
-Wheezing
-Tightness in the chest
-Frequent coughing
-A feeling of suffocation.

Potential triggers for asthma include Exercise
Cold air
Changes in temperature
humidity
Upper respiratory tract infection
Animal hair
Dust - in the home, vacuuming regularly to reduce dust and dust mite, not having flowering plants near the bedroom window, not using a feather pillow for sleeping and keeping pets clean and well groomed and out of the bedroom, may all help.
Pollution - this is possibly a big factor in the increasing incidence of asthma in children living in city areas. Although it is usually not possible to relocate, living away from busy roads, not cycling in heavy traffic without a mask, and trying to avoid walking along busy roads when there is alternative route are all small changes which may make a difference.
Food
Stress
Pollen
Cigarette smoke - including passive smoking
Medication such as aspirin.

The recurrence and severity of attacks are greatly influenced by secondary factors, including mental or physical fatigue, hormonal changes at various periods of life, emotional situations and exposure to noxious fumes such as those of gasoline or paint. There is always an allergic component. It may also be related to low blood sugar levels or disorders of the adrenal glands.

DIET
Avoid mucous-forming foods such as dairy products including cows milk, cheese, cream, sour cream, ice cream and yoghurt. White flour, white rice and white sugar and all products containing these are also mucous producing.
Instead eat wholemeal products and brown rice and use a non-dairy milk such as soy, rice or oat milk.

Reduce your intake of soft drinks, junk food, salt, sugar, additive, preservatives and monosodium glutamate (MSG) which is especially high in Chinese takeaway food.
Avoid food that has been preserved with sulphur including dried fruit, wine and beer. It is advisable to have a food sensitivity test as a variety of foods may be acting as triggers for the asthma.
The diet should be rich in dark green leafy and orange vegetables which are high in betacarotene which is beneficial for the lungs, garlic, onions, fish and extra virgin olive oil. If you have a juicer, try carrot and radish juice daily. Also include linseeds, linseed (or flaxseed) oil and pumpkinseeds in your diet.
Keeping the blood sugar levels stable is an important consideration also as low blood sugar levels may contribute to asthma attacks.

Eating smaller meals more often will also help and healthy snacking (i.e. not chocolate bars, biscuits and crisps) in the afternoon will help prevent that 4.00pm sugar craving and energy slump.

VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS
A vitamin C supplement containing bioflavonoids may help generally support the immune system as well as having an antihistamine action, which is especially useful where allergies are concerned.
Magnesium phosphate is especially important in aiding the relaxation of muscles, including the muscles of the chest, which become tight and spasmed during an asthma attack.
Many people find that taking magnesium on a regular basis can help reduce shortness of breath.
Essential fatty acids, especially fish oil, may also be beneficial for asthma. An antioxidant containing vitamins C and E, betacarotene, zinc and selenium may be beneficial to support the immune system and mucous membranes and reduce the effects of pollution.

Herbal medicine is particularly useful in asthma also.
Herbs which help support the lungs include
-Euphorbia hirta (Pill-bearing Spurge)
-Marrubium vulgare (Horehound)
-Glycyrrhiza glabra (Liquorice)
- Cochlearia armoracia (Horseradish)

In asthma, the mucous secretion is inhibited or thickened as a result of an inflammatory, hypersensitivity or nervous reaction. The herbs, via their expectorant action help to thin and eliminate the mucous as well as opening the airways and aiding breathing. Allium sativum (Garlic) is also a wonderful herb. It is a great antiseptic for the lungs and helps generally to support the immune system, all very important in asthma especially if the asthma was triggered by a respiratory infection.

A high intake of water and inhalation of steam can help to liquefy the mucous and make it easier to expel from the air passages. A few drops of essential oil of Frankincense in a bath may be beneficial for asthma.

A Naturopath will always find and treat the cause of any problem, rather than treating the symptoms only. The lungs are an area of elimination, and therefore may become overburdened if other areas of elimination are not functioning efficiently.
The other areas of elimination are the liver, the bowels, the skin and the kidneys. Drinking two litres of filtered water per day to ensure the kidneys are flushing properly and making sure the bowels are emptying at least once or twice a day are both important factors in making sure the body is eliminating toxins efficiently.

Stress is another common asthma trigger and mental and physical fatigue may contribute to greater frequency and severity of attacks. Magnesium phosphate and potassium phosphate together is a great combination for supporting the nervous system when under stress. B complex is also important and a combination containing herbs to relax the nervous system will be particularly beneficial. Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) is an effective herb used to aid relaxation and provide temporary relief from insomnia. Hypericum perforatum (St Johns Wort) is used in both depression and anxiety as a balancer of the moods and nervous system.

As asthma can be a life threatening condition it is important to stay on all medication and only reduce this as advised by your doctor. It is always best to see a Naturopath for any dietary, supplement or herbal advice to ensure what you are taking is safe and most effective for you.

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CANDIDA

Candida infestation self-test
This is a self-test for general information – some signs and symptoms may indicate health issues other than candida.

1. Have you taken 2 or more courses of antibiotics in the past 2 years? Y/N
2. Are you currently using or have you ever used the oral contraceptive pill? Y/N
3. Have you taken steroid drugs, such as cortisone, in the past 2 years? Y/N
4. Are you suffering from long-term stress? Y/N
5. Are you a diabetic? Y/N
6. Do you feel tired and weak most of the time and especially bad on damp days? Y/N
7. Do you suffer from excessive abdominal bloating, intestinal gas or discomfort? Y/N
8. Do you suffer from mood swings, depression or hypoactivity? Y/N
9. Do you crave sugar, breads, beer or alcoholic beverages? Y/N
10. Do you suffer from constipation or diarrhoea? Y/N
11. Do you suffer from migraines, chronic headaches, memory loss or have difficulty concentrating? Y/N
12. Do you suffer from thrush, vaginal infections, prostatitis, menstrual problems or PMS? Y/N
13. Do you have any form of food intolerance or food allergy? Y/N
14. Do you suffer from dizziness, light-headedness or recurring ear problems? Y/N
15. Have you ever experienced fluid retention or unexpected weight gain without a change of diet? Y/N
16. Do you suffer from numbness, tingling, aching or swelling of muscles and joints? Y/N
17. Do you have skin problems like psoriasis, ringworm, tinea or fungal infections of the hands and nails? Y/N
If you have answered Yes to 7 or more of these questions, there is a good chance you have a Candida problem. If your score is 5 or 6, the possibility is moderate.

Candida –Treatment and the Anti–Candida Diet

Supplements
You will need to deal with Candida infection in 3 ways:
1. Starve it– with the Anti-Candida diet outlined below
2. Kill it – with antifungal treatment such as garlic or various other herbal medicines, which your Naturopath will make or recommend for you.
3. Replace it – with a supplement of good bacteria – acidophilus and bifidus.

The Anti-Candida diet

There are 2 groups of food you need to avoid:
1. Yeast and fermented foods and foods that may contain fungus or moulds this includes yeasted bread, vegemite/marmite/promite, mushrooms, melons, grapes, pickles, blue cheese, camembert/brie, all alcohol and ciders, vinegar, soy sauce, miso, peanuts.
2. Sugar –all refined carbohydrates including white sugar, white rice, white flour products, anything sweet including fruit and honey.

So, what can I eat?
All herbal teas, water and vegetable juices (not fruit juices)
Wholegrain bread, cereals, pasta
All vegetables except mushrooms
Olive oil and lemon juice as salad dressing
Yoghurt containing acidophilus or bifidus, or other beneficial bacteria
All meat and fish
All legumes and pulses
Nuts and seeds as snacks (except peanuts)
Nut spreads (except peanut butter)
Hommus and baba ganuj with vegetable sticks

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DEPRESSION

It has been estimated by the World Health Organisation that up to 5% of the population suffers from depression and that up to one fifth of all patients visiting a doctor do so because of depression.
In fact, antidepressants are the most frequently prescribed of all drugs. Unfortunately, only two thirds of patients respond to drug treatments, and one-third experience side effects. Depression has many causes, and if you have suffered with it for any length of time it may be worth exploring different avenues that may help.

Many nutritional deficiencies can cause depression, and your Naturopath will recommend any vitamins or minerals that are important to help stabilise moods and nourish the nervous system.
Certain foods can be helpful in depression to elevate the serotonin levels in the brain, but caution needs to be taken with dietary changes, as certain food sensitivities can also contribute to depression.
Depression can reduce your appetite, and increase cravings for comfort food like sugar, cream and chocolate. Try to resist these though because sugar and caffeine can make you feel worse.

If you have ever worked in a profession that included many chemicals in the environment (painting, dry cleaning, some factory work, boat building) it may be worth having a hair mineral analysis through a Naturopath to see if chemical exposure is contributing to your depression.

There are various herbs that have an uplifting action, as well as Australian Bush Flower Essences and homoeopathy to work on mental and emotional issues that could be contributing to or causing the depression. As you can see, with so many effective treatments at our fingertips, a consultation is the best way to go, so we can really get the bottom of whats causing the problem.

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DETOXING

Our bodies will function efficiently under normal circumstances that is with a natural whole food diet and no caffeine, alcohol, pollution, cigarette smoke (including passive), chemicals in foods and tap water, etc. With all these extras for the body to deal with, it can become sluggish and congested and start to build up toxins. A detox functions to give the body a rest from these pollutants and enable it to eliminate the build-up it has been accumulating over time.

This build up of toxins can affect the body in many ways. They can congest the lymphatic system causing a sluggish elimination of wastes (leading to a build-up) and perhaps affecting the immune system. The liver may become congested causing poor digestion, headaches, skin problems, hormonal problems, high blood cholesterol, nausea and many other symptoms. The bowels can become sluggish, especially if you havent been eating enough fibre, and the kidneys can become sluggish if you havent been drinking your 2L of plain ordinary, unflavoured water every day. When one eliminatory system becomes congested then it places a burden on others, such as the skin, causing skin problems and sometimes a dull, congested-looking skin. The lungs are also eliminative organs and congestion or toxicity, as can be caused by smoking or pollution, may cause a tendency to coughs and even asthma.

Therefore, a detox will effect many areas of the body. By clearing the body of toxins you are enabling the body to once again function to its optimum, returning a "balance" to the body. So any health problem could improve as the result of a detox.

What´s the best way for me to detox?

Everyone has individual bodies and health issues, as well as different routines and dietary and lifestyle habits to work around. To get the best results from a detox it is best to have one tailor made for you and this is where a visit to a naturopath is ideal. A naturopath will help you change your diet and make it manageable to continue the detox programme for a reasonable length of time. Three day or even one-week detoxes can achieve radical results in the short term, but these are quite superficial and naturopaths are looking at how you can keep an ongoing feeling of well being, rather than just a quick pick-me-up then back to your old habits!

A naturopath will also take a detailed case history and look at any health problems you have, as well as looking at your iris, tongue and nails, to determine where the build up of toxins is in your body and what areas to concentrate on – liver, bowel, lymphatic system, kidneys, lungs or skin. They will often make you up a herbal prescription and recommend any vitamins or minerals to help the detoxification process. There are even flower essences that might help with that will power!

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DISGESTIVE DISORDERS

To the Naturopath, the health of the digestive system is fundamental to the health of the body.
When the digestive system is not functioning to its optimum, food is not being broken down properly, leading to indigestion, wind and bloating. Nutrients are not being absorbed properly leading to nutrient deficiencies in the body.

The digestive system is essential for the elimination of wastes from the body. If wastes are not being properly eliminated by the large intestine, this can place a burden on other areas of elimination in the body– such as the skin, lymphatic system, kidneys or lungs – causing health problems in these areas as they are overloaded with wastes and toxins that can´t be eliminated efficiently from the bowel.

When the large intestine is sluggish in it´s function, constipation will occur (you should be passing a bowel motion at least once a day – preferably 2–3 times a day), foods will ferment causing wind and bloating, and toxins will be reabsorbed causing health issues in other parts of the body.

So apart from relieving uncomfortable and sometimes embarrassing digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhoea, flatulence and bloating, Naturopathic treatment can also help ailments in other parts of the body that may be caused through digestive malfunction.

Dietary changes are fundamental to Naturopathic treatment, and fundamental to treating digestive disorders.
Herbal medicine can help to soothe irritation in the digestive tract, enhance the functioning of the digestive system, balance the secretion of stomach acid and aid the functioning of a sluggish liver.

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ENERGY AND WELLBEING

There are many causes to lack of energy. The most important aspect to look at in this situation is the diet.
If there is not enough fuel, the body cannot run efficiently. Make sure you are eating food rich in nutrients wholegrains, nuts and seeds, fresh fruit and vegetables and protein. Foods such as processed, refined white flour, white rice and white sugar are devoid of nutrients and should be replaced by wholesome foods. Protein is essential to keep the blood sugars stable, and regular snacking will also help with this.
Grazing, rather than eating just 3 main meals a day can help some people by supplying fuel every 2-3 hours to keep the blood sugar levels stable. A classic time for an energy slump is around 3-4pm, often accompanied by a craving for sugar. This is an indicator that the blood sugar levels have dropped after lunch. Eating protein, such as fish, meat, egg or beans/peas with lunch and having a snack of nuts and seeds at 3pm can help with this problem.

It is sometimes difficult to get all the nutrients we need in our diets, particularly if we are living in a polluted environment and under stress, both of which rob the body of nutrients.
Therefore a good sustained release multivitamin and mineral, such as Blackmores Multivitamins and Minerals, is an important adjunct to the diet. B vitamins in particular and the mineral magnesium phosphate and potassium phosphate are all important for energy production in the body.

Iron deficiency can be a common cause of fatigue. Blood tests can be done through your health care practitioner to determine whether you are deficient in iron. This is particularly common in menstruating women, particularly those with heavy periods, and vegetarians.

Sometimes the body can accumulate toxins, and this can create a general feeling of sluggishness and lack of energy.
The main organ responsible for detoxification in the body is the liver, as this organ has to detoxify all chemical and hormonal substances that come in to the body. There are many things you can do to help your liver. Certainly having a chemical-free, organic diet is a good start, avoiding alcohol and caffeine and drinking lots of water.
The herb Milk Thistle is effective in helping the liver detoxify and another daily routine that helps cleanse the liver is a glass of water with the juice of half a lemon first thing in the morning. Lecithin granules sprinkled on your sugar-free organic muesli in the morning are also a good way to start the day.
Drinking lots of water about 8 glasses per day also helps elimination and cleansing via the kidneys.

Your naturopath will look at all the aspects of why you may be lacking in energy and address them diet, deficiencies, stress, toxicity, and many more causes.

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HAYFEVER

There are plenty of ways natural therapies can help to reduce hayfever symptoms. The diet is a very important aspect and often there is a link with food sensitivities and hayfever. People often assume that because their symptoms are aggravated by airborne allergens, food is not a problem for them, but often these people also have some food sensitivities that are aggravating their symptoms. The presence of food sensitivities can also bring down general resistance and lead to poor immune function.

Dairy products can be a problem because they are very mucous producing, often aggravating symptoms such as congestion. Some foods are high in amines, precursors to histamine, which will aggravate hayfever symptoms. These include tomatoes, oranges, cheese, red wine and chocolate.

There are many herbal medicines and vitamins that have an antihistamine effect, without the side effects that chemical antihistamines can have. Naturopaths also work be reducing your bodys reactivity to what is irritating it and by soothing the mucous membranes and making them less prone to inflammation. Working to support the immune system and also cleansing and detoxifying the liver also can help to reduce the symptoms of hayfever. There are also some very effective natural herbal nasal sprays that can provide relief.

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HEADACHES AND MIGRAINES

Pain is regarded as "natures warning" and signifies that a problem exists. This is especially true for headaches. Rather than treating the symptoms it is important to discover and treat the underlying cause.
Headaches fall into four major categories: stress or tension, vascular, digestive and migraine. Each has tell tale signs and specific treatments.

The most effective way of alleviating stress headaches is to find appropriate ways of dealing with the underlying stress by using herbal medicines, flower essences and homoeopathy. Certain supplements such as magnesium can help ease muscle tension.

Fluid pressure and the uneven dilation rates of blood vessels in the brain can result in vascular headaches. Most frequently this type of headache is associated with menstruation or ringing in the ears. It can also be related to blood pressure problems. Following a low sodium diet is recommended to help reduce excess fluid and there are a number of herbs that help stimulate the kidneys to release fluids.

Digestive headaches are associated with food sensitivities and sudden changes of diet. The effects can also be minimised by supplementing the diet with a bitter herbal tonic. Constipation is also a problem that can cause dull, throbbing headaches.

Migraines are, by far, the most distressing, intense and debilitating type of headache. They are often accompanied by digestive disruptions such as nausea and vomiting as well as visual disturbances and sensitivity to light. A range of factors such as food sensitivities, stress, smoke and hormonal changes can trigger migraines.

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a bowel disorder in which abdominal pain is associated with passing a stool or a change in bowel habit. Accompanying symptoms often include alternating constipation and diarrhoea, and usually wind and bloating. Sometimes IBS is referred to as “spastic colon” or “nervous stomach”.

IBS is a real disorder in which the intestine is overly sensitive to various stimuli, including emotions, drugs and foods. The signs and symptoms of IBS are often improved with a change of diet, and with herbal medicines to soothe and calm the oversensitive mucous membranes, reduce smooth muscle spasm and support digestive and liver function. Food sensitivities often contribute to IBS symptoms.

When IBS occurs the bowel does not contract normally &ndash: instead it contracts in a disorganised and sometimes violent manner. Minerals such as magnesium can help to calm this over activity of the nervous system and reduce excessive muscular contraction.

From a Naturopathic perspective, we always address the cause of any health problem. For IBS sufferers this involves changing the diet, helping the person to cope better with stress using flower essences, herbs and minerals, improving the functioning of the digestive system and detoxifying the liver.

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OSTEOPOROSIS

Osteoporosis is a reduction in the total mass of bone with the remaining bone being fragile or brittle. Symptoms include increased incidence of fractures, pain in the hip and back, and reduced height. Women are more affected by this disease than men. Changes in hormonal patterns after menopause seem to accelerate this disease. A major cause of osteoporosis is an inadequate intake of calcium over a period of years. Other causes are inability to absorb sufficient calcium through the intestines, calcium-phosphorus imbalance, lack of exercise or a lack of certain hormones.
Osteoporosis is preventable. It is much more than just supplementing with calcium, it is about nutritional, hormonal , lifestyle and environmental adjustments.

Dietary Recommendations include the following.

Recommended supplements include the following.

It is important to maintain a sensible exercise programme including weight bearing activities such as walking and tennis. Adequate rest, relaxation, fresh air and sunshine are important considerations in your lifestyle management.

Your naturopath will advise you on the best supplements, including Celloid Minerals, and the best dosages for you. Herbal medicine will be prescribed individually if necessary to treat any underlying problems such as poor digestion and absorption of nutrients and over-acidity in the body, which leaches calcium from the bones.

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PRECONCEPTION CARE

The food you eat, the environment you live in and the lifestyle you lead in the months before you conceive a child can have a profound effect on the well being of your baby. Preconception health care can help prevent miscarriage, premature and stillbirths, congenital abnormalities and has a better than 80% success rate in the treatment of infertility.

Research has clearly shown that every aspect of our reproduction is adversely affected in some way by our 21st Century lifestyle and living conditions. Studies have clearly shown that if both prospective parents improve their general health, and if they avoid many common lifestyle factors and environmental hazards in the months preceding conception, they can greatly improve reproductive outcomes. The most important improvement being seen is the physical, mental and emotional health of their child.

Large numbers of studies with animals show that when either parent is deficient in one or a number of essential nutrients, the offspring will be spontaneously aborted, or they will suffer from a variety of malformations. These malformations, which in the past were believed to be genetic, can be manipulated at will by inducing a deficiency or deficiencies in one or more of the essential vitamins and minerals. Furthermore, the nutrient-deficient mother will have a difficult and lengthy labour, and the way in which she nurtures the offspring will also be affected.

How soon should I begin Preconception Care?
Preconception care involves making sure that there is an adequate supply of all those factors that are essential to the health of your sperm and ova and to foetal development, and an absence of all those things that have been shown to be harmful.
The formation of sperm may take up to 116 days (just less than 4 months), and ova are susceptible to damage during their period of maturation, which is approximately 100 days before ovulation (just over 3 months).
So ideally, you both need to enjoy a period of optimum health for at least 4 months before any attempt to conceive. For some people, Naturopathic recommendations may take time to implement and you may have health issues that need addressing prior to these 4 months.
It takes two very healthy partners to make a very healthy baby. Ideally therefore, every aspect of the preconception preparation should involve both partners equally, for nothing will be quite as effective as both prospective parents being in optimum health.

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SKIN PROBLEMS

Skin problems can be especially painful and difficult to deal with, particularly when they are visible for all to see. I have suffered from my fair share with acne in my early 20s and more recently eczema, both treated successfully with natural therapies.

Skin conditions are our bodys way of telling us that something is out of balance. Your skin may be telling you that you are eating the wrong foods or not eating enough of the right foods, or perhaps the detoxification systems in your body are sluggish and not eliminating toxins properly, placing an extra burden on your skin. Stress can also be a major contributing factor when it comes to skin problems, and through counselling, flower essences, and homoeopathy, we can help you to cope with stress in a more positive way.

Psoriasis, eczema and acne all respond very well to naturopathic treatment.
Sometimes food sensitivities can be involved, and I can send you for a food sensitivity test, or we can eliminate certain foods in the diet as an elimination diet or a cleansing diet.

Usually I give herbal medicine to treat skin disorders, especially herbs to aid detoxification through the liver and the bowel, as well as blood purifying herbs, which are specifically indicated for skin problems.
Acne can also be caused by a hormonal imbalance, which can be treated successfully with hormonal balancing herbs.

Most people find that in treating their skin condition naturopathically, their general well being and health improves also, as we are treating the cause of the problem, rather that just using a cream to cover it up.

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WEIGHTLOSS

The truth is there is no quick fix when it comes to weight management. No pill, potion, or diet powder is going to effortlessly melt excess body fat while you lounge in front of the television.
Sorry!

Having said that, there are, nonetheless, a number of important steps you can take to combat the common problem of being concerned with your weight.
Quite apart from aspiring to a better figure, research data consistently indicates that dropping those extra kilos significantly reduces the risk of developing heart disease and several other life threatening conditions.
Importantly, if you plan to lose weight the natural way, without fad diets or artificial diet foods, you are more likely to keep the weight off.

Weve all seen the products and the diet plans that promise sensational overnight weight loss. Do they work´
Well, some do but not always in a way that enhances your health. Usually any weight loss is due to a lower calorie intake, which in turn results in a reduction in the bodys water and lean tissue levels, rarely a reduction in fat. Any weight lost is likely to be regained almost immediately.
Anyway, diets that give you meals in packets dont teach you anything about buying different types of food, nor do they allow for normal socialising.

Naturopaths treat everyone on an individual basis no two people are alike when it comes to health and weight loss, which means that no two treatments should be alike either.
I will talk to you about your general health, and this along with some diagnostic tools such as iridology, tongue and nail diagnosis, will tell me the areas in your body that may need some help to increase your metabolism and help you lose weight.

I will also look at your diet in detail, taking into account your metabolism and any health problems you have, and together with you work out a diet plan that you can incorporate into your daily lifestyle. Finally, I will recommend some fat burning exercise that you can fit into your busy schedule.

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Kerrin Booth Naturopath

ND, Dip Hom,DRM, MATMS

FOOD ALLERGY OR INTOLERANCE?