Broccoli & Smoking

We all know smoking is bad for us and anyone here that does smoke - stopping is your best bet. One way smoking is bad is that it damages our DNA and therefore increases potential for cancer cell growth.

Eating broccoli (and Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage etc) daily can actually help decrease the amount of DNA mutations happening. This is because broccoli gives a powerful boost to our livers detoxifying enzymes helping clear out carcinogens (things that cause cancer) like those we get from smoking.

This is the same reason why I’ve mentioned it being great for anyone suffering with oestrogen dominance - it helps detoxify our unwanted hormones, especially useful for women in the 2nd half of the menstrual cycle, or anyone with eg endometriosis or breast/ovarian cancer running in the family.

Brassicas also help give the body a general immune boost against any pollutants in our environments & against potential harmful substances in the food we eat. Brassicas specifically strengthen the immune cells that line our gut and help block these toxins from harming us.

🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦🥦

Cold Hands and Feet? Citrus!

Now that winter is definitely here, a tip for anyone that suffers from chronic cold fingers and hands, is to eat more citrus fruits! 🍊 This is because citrus fruits help increase blood flow and circulation via hesperidin a phytonutrient contained in them. This also means they are associated with decreased stroke risk too which is a nice extra additional benefit.

Telomeres

Some science today.

Telomeres are the tiny little hats that sit on the end of chromosomes (which are coils of our DNA). Over our lifespans, our cells divide, and as they do our telomeres naturally begin to shorten. This causes the coils of DNA they are protecting start to fray out & essentially: your cells start to become pro inflammatory or they die. Put simply, the signs of ageing (wrinkles, grey hair) form alongside illness, cancers and disease as a result. Various books have compared telomeres to the little plastic tips at the end of shoelaces, without them laces fray and get damaged. You cannot get lost telomeres back.

Telomere shortening has been coined as a marker for how healthy our cells/bodies are compared to our real age, because the rate of shortening in different people varies.

The aim is to sustain our telomeres or if we can, reverse the rate of shortening. Is this possible? Scientists found an enzyme that they coined telomerase that rebuilds telomeres. Perfect we can just take telomerase supplements and never age? No. Artificially high levels of this enzyme have also been linked to various cancers and disease. So we must naturally protect the telomerase we already have.

How do we do this?

1. Reduce stress: Cortisol (the stress hormone) in large doses depletes our telomerase and causes much more rapid telomere shortening. We know that chronic stress causes illness and disease - here is one very clear biological piece of evidence as to how. Studies actually found that small doses of mindfulness or meditation increase levels of telomerase and protects telomere shortening.

2. Stop smoking. There’s a million things showing that smoking is bad - here’s another one. Smoking cigarettes is associated with 3 x the rate of telomere loss.

3. Eat more veggies and fruits - this has been linked to longer more protective telomeres

4. Eat more unrefined, unprocessed grains. The consumption of refined food, and processed sugar has been linked to shortened telomeres

5. Reduce Meat and dairy intake - plant based diets have shown to boost telomerase activity.

By making these changes studies have actually shown that not only do you protect your precious stores of telomerase but you can make your telomeres grow longer - essentially reversing cellular ageing.

Aphrodisiacs and Zinc

Continuing with beetroot, it was also actually used as an aphrodisiac in the roman times. This is because nitric oxide is a key mediator in penile erections....so is super useful for men with erectile dysfunction.

Ever wondered why oysters are also considered an aphrodisiac? It’s due to their high zinc content and zincs involvement in our reproductive health.

We need zinc for the production of our sex hormones (so it’s especially useful during puberty), and for making new sperm cells. Zinc is used therapeutically for treating infertility (male+female), erectile dysfunction and low testosterone levels.

Zinc is also important for the breakdown of alcohol and proteins. It is needed for thyroid health, and helps with acne and leaky gut. Its anti inflammatory, an anti oxidant, an anti viral and helps the immune + digestive systems generally.

Zinc deficiency is common and signs include: poor sense of taste/smell, recurrent infections, delayed wound healing, skin disorders (acne, dandruff, alopecia, white spots on finger nails), infertility, low libido, weak digestion (bloating/fatigue), reduced appetite, poor memory, extreme responses to stress and depression, loss of tolerance to alcohol.

Oysters are a great source of zinc and other foods include: crab/lobster/clams, sesame seeds, brazil nuts, pecans, rye flour, whole wheats (brown bread contains 5x the zinc than white bread), chickpeas, beef and lamb.

Beetroot

Full of essential nutrients, beetroots offer amazing health benefits. They are a great source of iron, potassium, magnesium, folate and vitamins A and C.

- Heart Health; reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, high in potassium, nitrates and fibre
- Immune health; high in Vit C; beetroots’ high betacyanins (which give them their purple colour) help reduce cancer risk
- Reduce diabetes type 2 risk; though they are very sweet their high antioxidant alpha lipoic acid increase insulin sensitivity and reduce glucose levels
- Enhance exercise capacity; high nitrate content; improve muscle oxygen absorption capacity; increase stamina and energy
- Gut health; prevent constipation, high in fibre
Beet greens offer similar benefits to spinach and their high Lutein and Zeaxanthin levels help with eye health.
In Chinese Medicine, they are seen as calming, improving circulation and benefiting the heart and the liver. They help menopausal symptoms when consumed with carrots.

Be aware that beets are high in oxalates which might interfere with some nutrient absorption like calcium. Those with Kidney stones and digestive sensitivities like IBS should stay away.

Beetroots can be eaten raw in salads, but if cooked, best to steam for 15mins to preserve nutrients, though they are yummy baked. Lastly do not worry if your urine or stools turn pink or red.. this is harmless and quite common.

 #acupuncture #cancer #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #antioxidantserum #food #diet #heart#vegetables #traditionalchinesemedicine #immunehealth #lifestyle #disease #body #fitness #selflove #healyourself #eyehealth #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #beetroot

Chewing

.. for Better Digestion and for Weight Loss!

Did you know that chewing is the first and probably the most important stage of digestion? Chewing well avoids lots of health issues, even some auto immune conditions. It tells the stomach that food is arriving and triggers stomach acid production. A large proportion of grains and other carbs’ digestion happens in the mouth if we chew properly, which then encourages their full nutrition to be released.

Chewing alerts the digestive system to produce digestive enzymes; chewing thoroughly helps breakdown food effectively, making the digestion efficient. This avoids overeating or feeling heavy, gassy or dull afterwards. It keeps us satisfied for longer, avoiding eating constantly!

What do I mean by chewing well?... wait for it, you need to chew each bite 40-50 times! Crazy, right! Yes, especially if you are impatient or rushed all the time.. like me!

The saying goes ‘drink your food and eat your drinks’. So sit down, take your time to look at your food, then for each small bite: chew, chew and chew again! This will become a habit and food more enjoyable.

 #acupuncture #stomachacid #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #digestiveenzymes #traditionalchinesemedicine #bloating #lifestyle #disease #body #fitness #selflove #gas #digestion #weightloss #alternativemedicine #chewing

Coconuts

Coconut, fruit of the coconut palm, is very nutritious and contains both plant protein and important essential minerals.

- It’s powerful antioxidant polyphenols eg Gallic acid, reduce LDL cholesterol, prevent oxidative stress damage and improve immunity
- Low in carbs, high in fibre, therefore may stabilise blood sugar levels; and the arginine aids the pancreas to work more effectively; it’s high fibre also helps with bowel health
- it’s medium chain fatty acids, MCTs strengthen gut bacteria, reduce inflammation and benefit the brain
- it’s manganese and copper are great for bone health
- it’s iron, selenium and Copper help red blood cells formation and protection of cells
- It’s magnesium for electrolyte balance
- zinc and selenium for thyroid function
- topically used for youthful hair and skin, and prevents age spots and wrinkles; though for some it may encourage acne spots

In Chinese Medicine, coconut is seen as warming, strengthening and tonifying the heart; it’s milk increases yin fluids.

Recently coconut also appears as a favourite in Keto diets to induce ketosis where the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy.

Thanks to it’s stable oil with low rancidity, it is also recommended for cooking.

Remember though, coconut is high in calories and it’s a saturated fat so in excess may increase heart disease risk.

I use coconut oil mostly for oil-pulling; a teaspoon swished around the mouth for 20 mins 2x a week. After spitting it out, gargle with salty water. This way Coconut gets rid of harmful bacteria In the mouth and reduces plaque and gingivitis.

 #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #minerals #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #bacteria #lifestyle #disease #body #gingivitis #immune #healyourself #plaque #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #coconuts

Hot - Cold Therapy

Most of us are aware that hot baths/showers relieve muscle tension and help us fall asleep faster; however they do a lot more for our health: improve blood flow, allow slower and deeper breathing, and a recent study shows that they also lower blood sugar, therefore reducing type 2 diabetes risk.

Similarly, cold water offers health benefits:
Improves circulation, reduces muscle ache after workouts, relieves stress and depression by increasing endorphins. Research also shows that it helps with weight loss, possibly by increasing metabolism, and most importantly by stimulating endorphins it gives an immune boost and increase our resistance to colds and flus.

However, the highest benefits come from hot-cold therapy. No wonder, Romans finished their hot soak with a cold plunge; and similarly now Finns and Swedes do the same. I have been trying this for a few months now and thanks to Corona this year, I have discovered the joys of swimming in the English sea. I absolutely love it... yes it is cold but I feel so good afterwards, completely rejuvenated!

Of course, make sure that you start slow with cold water. End your hot baths/showers with cool water, gradually reducing the temperature.. slow goes a long way. Maybe this is not for everyone but I highly recommend it; just try and see what it does for you!

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Tomatoes

Don’t you just love the smell of freshly picked tomatoes.. so refreshing!

Some see tomatoes as fruit but mostly they are considered as nutrient rich vegetables.

Health benefits? Plenty:
- Anti-carcinogenic and antioxidant protection; contain vits A, C, E, B3, B6, K, folate, biotin, phytonutrients such as carotenoids and beta carotenoids, calcium, magnesium and manganese
- Bone Health; rich in lycopene, calcium and vit K
- Heart Health; help lower cholesterol, rich in vit B and potassium
- Benefit the skin, hair and eyes; rich in lycopene, vit A and beta-carotene

In Chinese Medicine, tomatoes are seen as cooling, relieving dryness, constipation and heat signs such as high blood pressure and headaches; cleansing the liver, purifying the blood.

Yes, tomatoes provide a lot of health benefits but some important aspects to be aware of. Tomatoes are acidic and may worsen acid reflux. Also, they may upset calcium metabolism and aggravate arthritis. Tomatoes are part of nightshade vegetables; these contain solanine which is an alkaloid toxic in large amounts; so tomatoes are not recommended in inflammatory conditions. For these reasons I tend to eat no more than 1-2 small tomatoes a day... though I love them!

 #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #acidreflux #traditionalchinesemedicine #vitamins #lifestyle #eyes #hearthealth #anticarcinogenic #selflove #healyourself #cancer #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #tomatoes

Blue Lights (from digital products)

There are many sources of blue light in our lives; the main source being sunlight; then of course comes all our digital products: computers, iPads, smart phones; fluorescent lights, flat screen TVs...

Believe it or not we need blue light for our health such as helping regulate our circadian rhythms (wake - sleep cycle) and increasing our memory and alertness. However, too much exposure, especially in the dark, can reverse all these benefits. A recent article in ‘The Times’ newspaper stated that this blue light from our digital products can go through the top layers of the skin, destroying collagen, damaging the skin, increasing hyper pigmentation, causing skin ageing, inflammation and oxidative stress. ‘A week in front of the computer can have the same impact on our skin as 25 minutes in the midday sun without sun creams’. It also reduces our melatonin levels, the hormone responsible for our sleep patterns, and increases our stress hormones.

The negative effects do not stop on the skin. This blue light can damage our eyes, causing eye strain, damaging retinal cells even causing age related macular degeneration!

Thankfully there are some simple ways to protect our well being from the blue light:
- Reducing our screen time
- Turning all digital products off at night
- increasing our antioxidants in our diet and skin products
- Watching TV with yellow tinted glasses
- Getting blue light protecting shields for our digital products

Me?? I am very worried about my eyes so I try all of the above!

 #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #cancer #sun #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #lifestyle #disease #body #skin #selflove #healyourself #eyes #healthiswealth Bluelight #alternativemedicine #mobile

Beetroot to Boost Exercise Performance

Looking to improve exercise performance? Secret superfood - Beetroot.

Beetroot contains inorganic nitrates that increase oxygen use and stamina/endurance during exercise. The dietary nitrates peak in the blood 1-2 hours post ingestion so can be timed accordingly with when you are looking to do exercise.

Beetroot is also good for hypertension as the nitrates also are converted to nitric oxide, which acts as a vasodilator lowering blood pressure.

Beetroot contains iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, vitamins C, B6 and folate + also generally is an anti-oxidant, is anti-inflammatory and supports our liver detoxification processes. 

Beetroot is best eaten raw (but gently steam it if you have weak digestion as can be hard to digest) and works great in juices.

In TCM - beetroot is especially good for building blood - so great for anaemia, its also used with carrots for hormone regulation during menopause, and helps treat consitpation especially the type coming from fluid dryness. 

Alkaline Diet

You might have heard of people trying to do an ‘alkaline diet’, here is some info on what that is all about: 

In order to warn off disease, we want to avoid having an ‘acidic’ internal environment in our bodies. e.g. Cancer cells thrive in an acidic environment and die in an alkaline (pH 8+) environment.

What creates acidity in the body? All the usual bad stuff: stress, refined sugars, processed food, living a sedentary lifestyle etc. 

Dairy and meat are alkaline right? No, actually the high sulphur, protein and amino acid content increases sulphuric acid formation in the body, creating a net ACIDIC effect. This sulphuric acid formation lowers the blood pH, so the body draws calcium out of the bones and into the blood to counteract this, and this calcium is excreted in our urine. Again, dairy is NOT a good source of calcium!

Fruit and veg, which are acidic pre-consumption, actually have an alkalising effect on the body - they contain organic acids which are metabolised by the body and our gut bacteria to become alkaline. They also have lots of alkaline minerals like magnesium, calcium and potassium which also contribute to their net alkaline effect. 

Broccoli Sprouts

Here is a specific one for women who have: breast/ovarian cancer running in the family, endometriosis, fibroids or oestrogen dominance. 

Broccoli sprouts are your new best friend. They contain 20-50 x the glucosinolates of broccoli (and other brassicas) and these produce 2 compounds:

1. I3C (Indole 3 carbinol) which promotes liver detoxification and supports the liver’s detoxing of oestrogen

2. Sulforaphane: also promotes liver detoxification, is anti inflammatory and *anti-carcinogenic* - it literally helps suppress tumours, induces detoxificaition of activated carcinogens (cancer causing things) + inhibits the growth of cancer cells (as it increases anti oxidant defence)

Dose: You want to go for 50g/day if you have any of those issues.

In general broccoli sprouts also have other added benefits, to name a few they: help regulate cholesterol, help us detox environmental toxins via the lungs, reduces upper airway inflammation generally & helps protect against gastric cancer and gastritis.

Caution - sprouts grown in warm, humid conditions so can be contaminated. If you are purchasing pre-sprouted then ensure they have been stored in the fridge. Take extra caution if you are pregnant/immunocompromised in any way. And avoid alfalfa sprouts if you have Lupus.

Better - sprout your own… Method:

1. Sprout in a clear glass jar (not plastic) with a mesh lid or cloth that allows airflow (sprouting kits are available). 

2. Rinse seeds well; place in the sprouting vessel and cover with 2–3 times their volume of filtered water, leaving them to soak until seeds have doubled in size (about eight hours). 

3. Drain the seeds well ensuring good air circulation. 

4. Continue to drain and rinse x 2 / day for 2–5 days. 

5. When the hulls or seed covers float away when rinsing this indicates the sprouts are ready. 

6. Air dry on a kitchen towel for 30–60 minutes. 

7. Store in the fridge (generally keep for 2–5 days).

Magnesium

Generally feeling exhausted and don’t know why?

High stress + poor sleep are 2 big indicators that you might be magnesium deficient - another sign is chocolate cravings! Most of us are a bit deficient as these days the soil is depleted (eg. carrots have lost 75% of their Mg content since 1974 when everything used to be organic) and we eat so much processed food. Also the oral contraceptive pill, alcohol and IBS all mean we don’t absorb as much magnesium.

What do we need Magnesium for:

• it’s essential in energy production, and for glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity i.e. good for blood sugar regulation issues (insulin resistance), PCOS.

• Magnesium is also natures relaxing mineral - it helps the muscles relax post contracting so helps with muscle pain + cramps/twiches, and helps with consitpation too.

• Its helpful if you get tension headaches/migraines, PMS symptoms (menstrual cramps), mood disorders (anxiety, irritability, depression, panic attacks, bipolar), hypertension/arrhythmias/palpitations.

• Also as its so relaxing and calming it generally helps us fall asleep quicker and generally get better quality sleep - directly targeting insomnia and decreasing stress/anxiety. its used in the serotonin - melatonin pathway (happiness/sleep regulation) which we have spoken about a lot already.

A really really effective way to boost magnesium levels is to take epsom salt baths (magnesium sulphate, use a LOT - 500mg-1kg per bath + 20min soak).

Food wise:

• GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES (chlorophyll - the pigment that makes things green, and haemoglobin - blood, have the same chemical structure but chlorophyll has Magnesium instead of iron at its core)

• Nuts and seeds (esp pumpkin seeds and flax seeds), beans (soy, haricot), wholegrains (buckwheat and amaranth).

• Cacao powder - Obviously chocolate contains a load of sugar (milk choc is about 50% sugar), so if you do eat chocolate, try go for dark chocolate (90% dark choc is only 7% sugar) which has less sugar and contains magnesium and is high in polyphenols (good for heart health and can lower blood pressure more effectively than some meds).

• Supplements of magnesium are often given - avoid ones that are Mg oxide - they are cheap and hard to absorb. Magnesium citrate is very effective (esp for constipation), but can cause diarrhoea in some people so be cautious. also, be very careful if you have low blood pressure as Magnesium lowers it further.

• Also If you are thinking about getting pregnant now, or are already pregnant then maintaining adequate magnesium levels is super important.

Seaweed: A Superfood

Seaweeds have been used for thousands of years for their ability to prolong life, prevent disease and impart beauty and health and actually they benefit so many of the different issues we have already spoken about.

Seaweed is classified as a superfood because it contains the broadest range of minerals of any organism (10-20 x the minerals of land plants) & an abundance of other vitamins, amino acids & omega-3’s. Seaweed is especially high iodine, calcium, magnesium + iron - for context: Hijiki, arame an wakame each contain 10x the calcium of milk. Sea lettuce 25x, hijiki 8x + wakame/kelp 4 x the iron of beef. 

Properties of seaweed include:

• Beneficial for weight loss/management + blood sugar regulation- seaweed gives a massive boost of minerals/vitamins but has a low calorie content and a high fibre content - also contains something called fucoxanthin which helps decrease fat accumulation. Seaweeds also help manage insulin sensitivity and promote better glycemic control.

• Lower bad cholesterol / fat in blood - improving the ratio of low to high density lipoproteins

• Are cooling, moisten dryness & transform phlegm (relive phlegmy coughs) - (if you have diarrhoea or are a cold constitutional person maybe better to avoid in high doses, but great for people that always feel hot or suffer from any dryness)

• Soften hardened areas, masses, swellings, nodules, lumps, swollen glands, & fibroids - in ancient Chinese texts “there is no swelling that can’t be relieved by seaweed”

• Good for the skin (esp redness/lumps), eg acne, psoriasis + decrease collagen breakdown

• Detoxify & act as lymphatic cleansers, seaweeds ‘activate’ the liver and are great for excretion of sex hormones (for women, eat lots pre period!)

• Diuretic & improve water metabolism - hence helps relieve oedema (water retention) 

• Are alkalising (remember an acidic internal environment in the body increases the growth of cancer cells - alkaline kills cancer cells)

• Beneficial to the thyroid (iodine content)

• Used in cancer treatments & removes residues of radiation in the body

• FIBER - Contains mucilage (type of gel like fibre) that specifically rejuvenates the lungs and gastrointestinal tract - this also enhances good bacteria and nourishes an inflamed gut - eg with ulcers or in Ulcerative Colitis. 

• Antioxidant + Anti inflammatory properties-  especially fucoxanthin (a carotenoid found in brown eg wakame)

• Relieves candida overgrowth - the iodine ‘deactivates’ yeast + they contain selenium and many other minerals necessary for re-building immunity. 

They are classified by colour - determining which spectrum of light is available to the plant for photosynthesis: eg red (dulse, nori, laver), brown (kelp, bladderwrack, wakame), green (sea lettuce, spongeweed).

• Dulse - softer, chewy texture. It is usually eaten in its dried form as a snack. 

• Kelps - usually dried into sheets and added during cooking. Maybe, soaked in water to soften them before eating.

• Kombu - is a brown kelp popular for its strong, mineral-rich flavour which is often used in soups. 

• Arame - is another kelp which has a mildly sweet flavour and firm texture which makes it an appealing addition to many dishes. It is sometimes sold as granules or flakes and is a salt substitute. 

• Kelp - noodles are a good gluten-free alternative.

Sea vegetables can be kept dried (in dark glass jars) for years, fresh need to be washed and stored in the fridge. They should all be ‘freshened in water’ i.e. soaked before use as this makes them far easier to digest - you can keep them in the fridge soaking or drained and can use the liquid for cooking grains in/soups to keep the nutrients there too. 

In fact adding soaked seaweed to the water you are cooking grains in e.g. rice/beans/lentils is a super easy way to dramatically increase the mineral/vitamin content of the food you’re cooking, and softens the grain making it easier to digest, plus it doesn’t affect the taste at all.

It is important where seaweed you eat originates from - obviously certain parts of the oceans are heavily polluted and so seaweed that is unclean/inorganic can contain heavy metals  - although it is useful to know that seaweed does detoxify heavy metals too. 

Cucumbers

This is a vegetable that most of us eat most days but did you know they provide so many health benefits:
- Immune support and anti cancer benefits; rich in vits C and K, beta carotene, manganese, flavonoids such as quercetin and kaemferol, and lignans; these nutrients help scavenge free radicals and have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
- Digestive and probiotic benefits; fermented cucumbers (best in brine with dill and garlic) provide beneficial microorganisms and their digestive enzyme breakdown protein and help cleanse the intestines
- Reduce cardiovascular disease risks; rich in lignans
- Healthy weight control; low in calories, one cup contains only 16 calories

In Chinese Medicine, cucumbers are seen as cooling with diuretic properties. They cleanse the blood, moisten the lungs and purify the skin.
Tea made with cucumber skin reduce swelling in the hands and feet.
Juice applied topically relieves burns, especially sunburn.
Cucumbers help with heat conditions such as stomach, skin and eye inflammations. Grated cucumbers over the eyes relieve inflamed, hot, dry eyes.

Best to buy organic so that you can enjoy nutrients in the skin too; keep refrigerated and consume within 7-10 days. Be aware that cucumbers may worsen mucus or diarrhoea.

Cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions (and parsley, if wanted) - known as Shepherd’s salad, is yummy... just try. #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #lifestyle #sunburn #vitamins #digestivehealth #eyes #healyourself #hearthealth #healthiswealth #immunehealth #alternativemedicine #cucumber

Corn

This summer vegetable may be difficult to digest but I love it! Corn on the cob is delicious, whether boiled, grilled, baked or steamed.
In its dried form, known as maize, it is considered a grain and for some constitutes a staple food like polenta, or for others a snack like popcorn.

Corn offers many health benefits, and as a fresh vegetable, it contains a lot more enzymes and vitamins than in its dried form:
- Anti oxidant protection; rich in manganese, carotenes, Lutein and Zeaxanthin
- Benefits blood sugar levels; rich in B vits, especially B1, B3 and B6
- Digestive health; supports large intestine friendly bacteria, reduces colon cancer risk
- Eye and Heart health; rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin

In Chinese Medicine Corn is seen as neutral thermal nature; tonifying Kidneys, promoting stomach, teeth and gum health.

Best to buy organic and cook within 2-3 days. To preserve its nutrients, it is recommended to quick steam for 5-10 mins. However, corn is high in oxalates and for some causes allergic reactions. Also be aware that corn has high cellulose content. This insoluble fibre can not be broken down with our digestive tract but it is this fibre that contributes to the friendly bacteria in our gut, therefore make sure to consume small amounts and chew well. However, if you love it like I do, difficult to eat little once you start, yummy yummy!!!

 #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #bloodsugar #food #diet #colon #hearthealth #eyehealth #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #cellulose #disease #immune #microbiome #selflove #healyourself #heal #healthiswealth #alternativemedicine #corn

Rice - Brown, red and wild

A simple yet highly beneficial grain.

Brown rice promotes optimal health; the antioxidant ferulic acid, manganese, magnesium and selenium help boost the immune system, prevent free radical damage and cancer.

It also benefits the heart, reduces blood pressure, protects against kidney stones. The fiber promotes bowel function and helps control blood sugar levels.
As it is rich in B vits, it benefits the nervous system and relieves depression.

Red rice offers similar benefits but is richer in iron, B6 and magnesium; therefore more effective at calming us and in reducing cholesterol.

Wild rice - more related to corn than to rice, is lower in calories, higher in protein, zinc, potassium and fibre.

White rice is processed therefore devoid of all the nutrients; some countries recommend it for diarrhoea when cooked in 6-8x water.

In Chinese Medicine, rice is seen as Qi food, providing physical and mental strength.
Important to buy organically grown and must be soaked for 8-12 hours; discard the water, rinse until the water runs clear; boil in 5x water until soft then best stir fried with vegetables. This way arsenic levels are minimised. Finally cook only the desired amount; rice kept for long hours (definitely days), even refrigerated, would risk bacteria and fungi growth.

Easy to cook, amazing benefits.. enjoy 2-3x a week

. #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #energy #lifestyle #disease #body #brownrice #immunesystem #healyourself #redrice #healthiswealth #wildrice #alternativemedicine #rice

Leeks

A forgotten vegetable? I guess so, but it is a shame as they contain such healthy nutrients.

Leeks are rich in Carotenoids, vits A, B6, C, E, K; and contain significant amounts of manganese, copper, iron, magnesium and calcium.
- Promote heart health; rich in kaemferol, polyphenols, folate (in its active form), and sulfur, all protecting the blood vessels from damage, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol
- Anti cancer activity; leeks, together with onions and garlic, make part of sulfur rich allium vegetables, these offer protection against all cancers but especially that of colon, breast and prostate

In Chinese Medicine, leeks are seen as pungent and sour flavour, and considered astringent, thus helping with diarrhoea and bleeding.

To maximise their health benefits, let cut/sliced leeks sit for 10 mins or add to an acid such as lemon juice, before cooking. Afterwards they may be sautéed in pre-heated water or broth for 7-10 mins; remove from heat and mix with other vegetables as desired! Best consumed with extra virgin olive oil.

Leeks add nice flavour to most dishes and offer great health benefits so why forget them!!! #acupuncture #acupuncturist #nutrition #nutritionist #naturopathy #naturopathicmedicine #health #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #wellness #healer #food #diet #dietplan #tcm #traditionalchinesemedicine #herbs #hearthealth #disease #sulfur #anticancer #cancer #healyourself #vegetables #healthiswealth #allium #alternativemedicine #leeks

Visualisation

“Praesent id libero id metus varius consectetur ac eget diam. Nulla felis nunc, consequat laoreet lacus id.”

— Hope K.

Can positive mental imagery help us heal, regain our health and maintain optimum wellbeing? The scientific evidence says: definitely!
Just a quick bit of evidence..did you know that depressed smokers have a higher risk of getting lung cancer than joyful, not depressed smokers.
Positive emotions, joyful and loving experiences allow our psycho neuro immunology systems to work synergistically better. This affects each and all the systems in our body such as our cardiovascular system and most importantly our immune system.
The studies behind HeartMath tell us that the connection between our brain and our heart is critical to our well being. If we can achieve regular consistent heart rhythm, what they call heart rate variability, then we can achieve optimal functioning throughout all our systems.
Positive thoughts, emotions and mentally re-living joyful experiences send messages to our immune system that enhance our ability to function optimally Our natural killer cell activity, secretory IgAs and cell mediated immunity are all increased, helping prevent diseases, including cancer and repairing DNA damage. Scientific studies show that the images that we see in our minds affect our white blood cell counts; negative images depress them making us more susceptible to disease and positive ones significantly increase them, improving our overall health.
How do we achieve such a state? If you are trying to achieve a specific outcome, like getting rid of a cancerous tumour, then you have to imagine just that.. you can be as specific or as detailed as you want; just use your imagination and go wherever you wish to go, mentally that is! Make sure you take yourself to a quiet place, slow your breathing and heart beat, then let your mind take you wherever you need to, imagining your body healing and being happy.
By the way, visualisation and positive mental imagery are not just for the sick or the anxious, it is for everyone. We need to do this few times a day and every day. Easier said than done, right? For sure.. but please believe me when I say, I do try... #acupuncture #health #cancer #nutrition #visualisation #positivethoughts#naturopathicmedicine