Acai palms grow in South America, in swampy areas and floodplains. The Acai berries have been used for centuries by the natives of Brazil for their legendary provision on energy and other health benefits. Recently the small, round dark purple berry has become well known throughout the rest of the world as a superfood.

Acai palm trees (Euterpe oleracea) can grow up to eighty feet tall. Because Acai palms grow close to the equator in some of the harshest UV ray intense areas on the planet, the berries produce high amounts of antioxidants to protect themselves from the sun. Research on the acai berry has focused on this high antioxidant activity. Theoretically, this activity may help prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.

Acai berries contain several substances including powerful antioxidants called anthocyanins and flavonoids. Acai has one of the highest ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) score in the world. This is the standard measure of antioxidant concentration. These antioxidants help defend the body against free radicals.  Free radicals are harmful byproducts produced by the body during times of stress and detoxification. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants may support longevity and protect the body by neutralizing free radicals.

Along with these powerful antioxidants Acai contains protein, fiber, enzymes, Vitamin E, amino acids,calcium, phosphorus, betacarotene, phytosterols, and fatty acids.

There are many benefits that have been linked to Acai berries including:

• Boosts energy levels
• Improves digestive function
• Improves concentration
• Anti-bacterial
• Promotes sound sleep
• Reduces anxiety
• Contains important vitamins and minerals
• High levels of fibre
• Cleanses and detoxifies
• Anti-mutagenic compounds
• Strengthens the immune system
• Enhances sexual performance and libido
• Promotes glowing healthy skin
• Alleviates diabetes
• Good for the cardiovascular system, Improving circulation and strengthening the heart
• supports healthy cell membranes
• Reduces and regulates cholesterol increasing good lipids in the blood
• Reduces inflammation
• Prevents arterial plaque build-up
• Enhances vision

There are claims that acai has anti-cancer properties. Acai is high in glutathione which is a strong healing and detoxification substance. Glutathione plays an important role in carcinogenic detoxification, which suggests that it could help prevent cancer. The Journal of Food and Agricultural Food Chemistry released the result of a study by UF’s Institute of Food and Agriculture that announced 85% of test tube leukemia cells self destructed when subject to extracts from Acai berries. Stephen Talcott, an assistant professor involved in the study pointed out that “This was only a cell-culture model and we don’t want to give anyone false hope.” Talcott went on to say “We are encouraged by the findings. Compounds that show good activity against cancer cells in a model system are most likely to have beneficial effects in our bodies.”

There has also been a pilot study on healthy over weight people conducted by Medicus Research LLC which concluded that markers of metabolic disease, such as insulin levels and cholesterol levels were reduced and therefore more studies are warrented on Acai Berries for weight reduction benefits.

Many claims regarding Acai Berries have yet to be scientifically proven however more studies are being performed as the berry appears to have many positive effects on the human body.

If you have pollen allergies or have a known hypersensitivity to acai or similar berries, you may want to avoid this fruit. When eaten in moderate amounts, though, acai is likely safe.

http://www.webmd.com/diet/guide/acai-berries-and-acai-berry-juice-what-are-the-health-benefits

http://www.healthnetwork.com.au/skin-beauty/acai-berry.asp

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21569436

http://nfscfaculty.tamu.edu/talcott/Commodities/Açai.htm

Wolfe, David (2009). “Superfoods: the food and medicine of the future”

http://www.dreamstime.com/basket-with-berries-imagefree986153

CRUST

1 Cup Raw unsalted Almonds

1 &1/2 Cups dates

1. Place almonds in small food processor for 2-4 minutes or until desired size
2. Add dates and blend well
3. Place the mixture into prepared oiled pie dish and flatten down. Can help to have hands wet to do this.

FILLING

1/4 Cup filtered water

1 Cup Raw unsalted Cashew nuts (soaked for 2 hours)

3-4 bananas

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp cinnamon

2 tbsp Coconut Oil

1. Rinse cashews and then place into processor with the 1/4 cup water. Blend until moderately smooth
2. Add bananas and continue to blend until you get a smooth consistency.
3. Add the cinnamon, vanilla extract and the coconut oil.
4. Pour the filling onto the prepared pie crust and place in to the freezer for a couple of hours.

Allow the pie to start defrosting a little before serving.

After being inspired by a friend to make raw banoffie pie, I googled some recipes to find most of them have a lot of sugar in them as the ingredients often included maple syrup and agave nectar. I found one without these sugary ingredients and adjusted the recipe slightly. I added some cinnamon for the blood sugar balancing effect and vanilla extract which adds some sweetness as well as having a small amount of B vitamins and some minerals.

This pie is high in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, manganese, Iron, Zinc and Selenium. It is also rich in B vitamins, vitamin C and vitamin K. It also contains  as well as lectins (shown to help against cancer), Lauric Acid ( great for fighting bacteria and viruses), antioxidants and dietary fibre.

Aloe vera is a semi-tropical succulent plant which originated in North Africa, and now grows worldwide including in many Australian suburban gardens. Aloe vera is one of the oldest and most popular medicinal plants known to man.There are more than 400 varieties of the Aloe plant throughout the world. The most beneficial out of all the Aloe plants is the Aloe barbadensis miller.

Aloe Vera plants have been used for over 5000 years. Egyptians first wrote of the healing powers of the plant on their ancient papyrus texts calling it the plant of immortality. Cleopatra and Nefertiti bathed in aloe juice to retain their youth and beautiful looks.

WHAT MAKES ALOE VERA SO GOOD?

Research studies highlight the amazing healing powers of Aloe Vera when used both internally and externally. The therapeutic action of this wonderful herb is contributed to the  nutrition packed profile it has. Aloe Vera contains over 20 minerals all of which are essential to the human body such as Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Chromium and Selenium. There are 12 vitamins including A, B1, B2, B6, folic acid, B12, C and E in aloe Vera. Aloe Vera contains all 8 essential amino acids and 11 of the 14 secondary amino acids require in the human body. It also has over 200 active components including enzymes anthraquinones, lignins, monosaccharide, polysaccharides, salicylic acid, saponins, and sterols.

Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, is a great advocate of Aloe Vera. According to Adams this single plant offers potent, natural medicine that:

• Halts the growth of cancer tumors.

• Lowers high cholesterol.

• Repairs “sludge blood” and reverses “sticky blood”.

• Boosts the oxygenation of your blood.

• Eases inflammation and soothes arthritis pain.

• Protects the body from oxidative stress.

• Prevents kidney stones and protects the body from oxalates in coffee and tea.

• Alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.

• Cures ulcers, IBS, Crohn’s disease and other digestive disorders.

• Reduces high blood pressure natural, by treating the cause, not just the symptoms.

• Nourishes the body with minerals, vitamins, enzymes and glyconutrients.

• Accelerates healing from physical burns and radiation burns.

• Replaces dozens of first aid products, makes bandages and antibacterial sprays obsolete.

• Halts colon cancer, heals the intestines and lubricates the digestive tract.

• Ends constipation.

Stuart Watkins is putting on a wonderful evening of Yoga and Music under the stars at Kings Park. Unfortunately I wasn’t aware in time for the first night, however the second night is this Sunday the 29th April 5pm – 8pm. It is at the Kings Park Amphitheatre, Saw Avenue. To RSVP or for any further information please email stu@stuartwatkinsyoga.com.

Benefits of Eating Alfalfa

Alfalfa is a plant which sends its roots down twenty to thirty feet into the ground and brings up the minerals that are not available on the surface. Therefore, Alfalfa is naturally high in many essential vitamins and minerals, including A, D, E, K, and even the full family of B vitamins; biotin, calcium, folic acid, iron, magnesium, potassium and many others, as well as being very high in protein, especially when dried. It is known as the “The king of all foods”!

Alfalfa is a tonic for the digestive system as contains 8 known digestive enzymes which may help in digesting and absorbing food more easily. It has been found that regularly ingesting alfalfa can aid in flushing the bowels of built up toxins. The alfalfa herb has been used widely for diuretic purposes. This is especially common among people who have been experiencing things like heavy water retention or urinary tract infections. You can use the Alfalfa herb for detoxifying and purifying the blood.

The alfalfa herb is believed to have a direct connection to lowering cholesterol. Studies have shown that alfalfa not only lowers the overall cholesterol, but that it seems to target the bad cholesterol while having no affect on HDL, or good cholesterol.

The high manganese content of alfalfa may help to regulate blood sugar levels. Therefore, alfalfa may benefit those who have or are at risk off having diabetes.

Alfalfa has antibacterial properties and beneficial healing properties which can protect against bad breath, imbalanced skin conditions, immune strengthening. Alfalfa has also been shown to benefit arthritis because Alfalfa is rich in minerals which are required for the formation and strengthening of bones. The high chlorophyll content is believed to encourage the growth of connective tissue, which is important in reducing arthritis.

Alfalfa is also often used to help treat diabetes, asthma, and nausea. Alfalfa can be beneficial for improving the appetite for people suffering anorexia or post surgery. However, it may also support healthy eating with many claiming that after eating alfalfa for a while they no longer crave heavy meals. This can be a great benefit to those who tend to over eat.

Combing the juice of alfalfa along with carrot and lettuce juice, and taken daily, may assist in the growth of hair as well as prevention of hair loss.

It is always important not to over consume any food. Excessive consumption of Alfalfa may cause the breakdown of red blood cells. However in moderation, Alfalfa is a safe herb to include in your diet. As with all herbs, it is best to chose organically grown Alfalfa.

If you take Alfalfa as a supplement beware that it can affect some medications, such as blood thinning medication. Also, if you are pregnant or breast feeding always check with a health practitioner before taking supplements.

http://www.herbwisdom.com/

http://www.homeremediesweb.com/alfalfa_health_benefits.php

http://www.alfalfabenefits.net/

http://amyhagerup.com/alfalfa-benefits-headaches-allergies-more/

http://www.alternative-healthzine.com/html/0107_2.html

http://www.herbslist.net/health-benefits-of-alfalfa.html

http://www.livestrong.com/article/249989-what-are-the-benefits-of-alfalfa-leaf-tea/

Did you know that it can be beneficial, if you are watching your weight and on a low carb diet, to have one day a week where you eat whatever you like? Andrew Simmons and Tim Ferriss recommend having a cheat day once a week to spike your calorie intake and keep your metabolism high.

Why are cheat days beneficial for low calorie dieters? Cheat days can help you stick to your diet for the other 6 days. Cheat days also work because by spiking your calorie intake one day per week you cause a number of hormonal changes which improve fat loss including increasing cAMP  and cGMP (*explained at page bottom if interested) as well as improving conversion of the T4 thyroid hormone to the more active T3 thyroid hormone (*explained at the bottom of the page).

Extended calorie restrictions (diets) will cause the body to decrease its metabolism rate, making your body more efficient at storing fat, it will suppress thyroid function and muscle building and literally lower your core temperature. Cheat day resets your metabolism and allows you to continue to burn fat rather than store fat.

You may worry that you will put on weight from the cheat day, however even though you may weigh in heavier the day after your binge day, a lot of this is fluid retention. This weight usually disappears after 48 hours and you will continue to burn fat and build muscle for the rest of the week.

Tim Ferriss offers a range of suggestions in The Four Hour Body for improving your bodies response to Cheat Day. These suggestions will help to maximise your weight loss while still allowing you to eat whatever you want:

• Start the day with a high protein, high fibre meal as you would on a low carb diet. (The binge starts a little after breakfast)
• Shortly after, or whenever your next meal is, have some grapefruit juice before your meal – the combination of fructose and naringin helps suppress your glucose response.
• You can combine the grapefruit juice with a coffee as the naringin in grapefruit works with caffeine to extend the thermogenic effect of caffeine.
• Accelerate ‘gastric emptying’ through use of caffeine and theobromine – tea/coffee/chocolate/yerba mate. The faster your food moves through your digestive system, the less gets absorbed.
• Brief bursts of exercise such as squats and wall presses for 60 – 90 seconds before and 90 minutes after eating triggers a specific insulin reaction called the ‘Glut 4’ response, which helps recruit food calories directly to muscle cells rather than fat storage.
• Supplement with Cissus Quadrangularis (CQ) on binge days. CQ is a traditional Ayurvedic herb in use for over a thousand years. It is used for bone and metabolic health. It is also beneficial for digestive issues and especially when digestive problems prevent weight loss.
• Boost your gut bacteria, by avoiding artificial sweeteners, eating fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchee, and taking pro- and pre- biotic supplements.

There is a growing world-wide support for the slow carb diet with inspiring claims for impressive weight loss and body recomposition. The cheat day helps you to stick to the diet better and therefore have a better result with the diet. Remember it is recommended that you eat as much as you want on cheat day, not as much as you possibly can!

1* Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and Cyclic guanosine monophosphate belong to a class of substances known as “second messengers” and are important cell-regulating compounds. Increased cellular cAMP results in a broad range of physiological and biochemical effects, including inhibition of platelet activation (resulting in decreased likelihood of blood clots), reduced release of histamine (resulting in decreased allergy symptoms), increased force of contraction of the heart, relaxation of the arteries and other smooth muscles, increased thyroid function and increased lipolysis (fat burning).

2* Thyroid cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy). Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. The normal thyroid gland produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3, however, T3 possesses about four times the hormone “strength” as T4.

http://www.naturodoc.com/library/treatments/forskolin.htm

http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/cyclic+GMP

http://www.wellnessresources.com/weight/articles/cissus_quadrangularis_a_unique_bone-building_weight-management_nutrient/

http://starcreate.hubpages.com/hub/Slow-Carb-Diet-Cheat-Day

http://slow-carb-diet-success.com/understanding-cheat-day-on-the-slow-carb-diet/

http://www.fourhourbodycouple.com/2011/10/14/common-questions-faq-about-cheat-day/

You have to really trust the source where your skin care products are formulated and manufactured, as there are no approvals require before skin care and cosmetics are sold to the public. Just because it is on the shelf, does not mean that the products contain only safe and healthy ingredients. Below is a list  of 12 ingredients which are perhaps the most toxic to your health and yet are still in many skin care products:

It is a wise idea to go and check your skin care products for any of the above ingredients and avoid them in the future.

If you are looking for safe, natural and organic skin care for your family, I would recommend BEST 4 Baby Organic and Natural skin care products. The products have been formulated by naturopaths, using high quality herbs, oils and butters. They are gentle enough to use on new born babies and are so packed full of nutritious ingredients they are fantastic on mature skin as well.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

http://www.natural-skincare-authority.com/acrylamide.html

http://truthinaging.com/index.php/ingredients/polyacrylamide

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-15-dangerous-ingredients-in-skin-care.html

http://yourcertifiedorganicproducts.com/blog/?tag=phenol-carbolic-acid

http://www.drmercola.com/

Naturopathy and Bowen Therapy are both very successful in supporting couples to conceive, as well as promoting happier and healthier babies. I offer a Four Stages to Healthy Babies program to assist parents who are wanting a natural and healthy pregnancy, birth and baby.

Thinking about getting pregnant but not sure where to start or having problems conceiving, then this is the program for you.

Stage 1- Pre Conception Care

I will help you and your partner to prepare for getting pregnant. This is a 3 – 4 month program aimed at promoting detoxification and a healthy mind set to get your body in the best possible shape before you actively try and conceive.

What are the benefits of preconception care and detoxifying before conceiving?

Preconception care is not only for you and your child’s health, but also for future generations. Addressing preconception and pregnancy health is the ultimate in preventative medicine. What you do for a few months will have lifelong effects for you and your child.

Your preconception care should ideally begin at least 3 months prior to the conception attempts. This preparation time is very important as the eggs take 3 months to mature and sperm take about 2.5 months to generate. This means that the sperm that is being expelled now has been exposed to all the toxins the male has been exposed to over the past 3 months. Fertilization with sperm and/or eggs that have had toxic exposure increases the possibility of pregnancy loss and decreases the chances of a healthy baby. Think of it as being in training…are you going to win a triathlon if you don’t train? Of course not, so why should pregnancy be any different? Detoxing decreases harmful toxins in your system that can damage you and your future child’s DNA.

One in six couples have difficulty conceiving which can be due to a number of different factors. I will discuss these with you, and take a health history in order to achieve your best outcome and course of treatment. Factors that may affect fertility include:

• Stress
• Toxicity
• Radiation
• Immune system status
• Insulin levels
• Drugs, including caffeine, tobacco and alcohol
• Previous contraceptive history
• Genitourinary infections e.g. Chlamydia and Mycoplasma
• Reproductive conditions such as varicoele, endometriosis and polycystic ovarian disease

Getting to know your menstrual Cycle

During this phase of the program you will come to be more connected to your body and its natural rhythms. Charting your menstrual cycle and knowing when you are fertile makes conception much easier in the second phase of the program. By understanding your bodies rhythms we can address any underlying conditions such as endometriosis, Poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome, Hormonal imbalances and more before you attempt to get pregnant.

Does my partner have to be involved?

Ideally yes. It takes two to make a baby. Sperm contributes 50% of the DNA towards your child so it makes sense that it is just as important for you to be healthy as it does your partner. Sperm is actually far more vulnerable to damage from chemicals and toxins. Sperm is also often much easier to improve and increase with natural medicine. It is for this reason that we encourage both of you to take active steps in preparing your body for conception.

What Does Phase One Of the Four Steps to Healthier Babies Involve?

Good Nutrition

• Eating wholesome, organic healthy foods
• Avoiding coffee, alcohol, cigarettes and other social drugs
• Staying properly hydrated
• Replacing any nutritional deficiencies as determined by your health care practitioner

Healthy Lifestyle

• Getting enough rest and relaxation
• Reducing stress levels
• Balanced exercise

Treating underlying health conditions that may impact fertility

• Poly cystic Ovarian Syndrome
• Fibroids
• Endometriosis
• Sexually Transmitted Infections
• Stress
• Thyroid Conditions
• Nutritional Deficiencies
• Hormonal Imbalances and more

Diagnostic Testing

• Hair Mineral Analysis to screen for heavy metal toxicity
• Saliva Hormone testing to determine hormonal balances
• Semen Analysis
• Specific testing as determined by your health care professional

Step Two – Conception

For most this is the most exciting part of the program, however for others this can also be the most distressing. In our experience if step one is done properly step two is easy and for the majority fun like it should be.

What if I don’t want to do step one of the program, can I start straight at step two?

In most cases the answer is no. Watching people go through the stress, month after month of not being able to become pregnant is heart breaking for everyone involved. We find that by completing step one the chance of getting pregnant and not miscarrying is hugely increased, not to mention the benefits that you pass on to your child not just during the pregnancy but also for the rest of their life.

What is involved in step two?

Healthy Life Style

Everything mentioned in step one regarding nutrition, diet and exercise is carried over in step two. This means no alcohol, caffeine, smoking or recreational drugs during this phase and any phase of our program for that matter.

Herbs, Nutrition and Bowen Therapy

During this phase I may change your supplements and add or change herbal medicine depending upon your individual needs. Bowen treatments will be according to your cycle and circumstances. I will treat you approximately day 20 or 21 of your cycle (approximately 7 days prior to your period), a week later (during your period), and if necessary at ovulation.

How long does this phase go for?

This phase is all about conception and goes until you conceive. The time for this varies from couple to couple, but because you have completed the first phase the time it takes in getting pregnant versus not doing the program is usually greatly decreased.

Step 3 – Supporting the Pregnancy

In this stage my primary aim is to support you and your partner to carry your baby to full term, prepare you for birth and encourage, through good health and nutrition, a shorter easier labor, as well as to help you feel happy, confident and in control through every stage of your pregnancy.

What’s involved in step three?

Nutrition and Dietary support

We will meet monthly during the first trimester then at weeks 14, 26 and 37 during the second and third trimester. Each session is 30mins to 1 hour with the primary objective being to make sure you and your baby’s nutritional needs are being met and to treat any conditions of pregnancy as they arise.

Bowen Therapy

Bowen Therapy is fantastic in supporting and maintaining a healthy pregnancy. Bowen Therapy helps to balance the body and your unborn baby and is also fantastic in the treatment of many pregnancy related issues such as breach babies, overdue babies, fatigue associated with pregnancy, stress, lower back pain, poor sleep, morning sickness and many other pregnancy related issues. Bowen Therapy will be included in all of our meetings and additional appointments can be arranged if needed.

To prepare for your birth I recommend pre-labour Bowen treatments at week 32, 34, 37, 38, 39 and 40 until your precious baby has arrived into the world.

Your nutritional requirements will differ at each stage and trimester so it is important to continue (or begin) to be monitored throughout pregnancy.

Regular naturopathic health care throughout pregnancy reduces or eliminates many of the common “ailments” of pregnancy such as

• morning sickness
• stretch marks
• heartburn
• fatigue
• constipation
• pre-eclampsia & high blood pressure
• haemorrhoids
• gestational diabetes

Herbal medicine has a long history of use in the last trimester of pregnancy. Specific nutrient supplementation and individualized herbal formulations will promote a more comfortable birth, post natal and breastfeeding experience.

Stage 4 – Baby

At approximately 3 weeks after the birth of your baby I recommend a post natal check. At this session I will discuss nutritional needs and recommend any supplements or herbs to support your body during this time. I will look at supporting your body in rebalance after the birth, as well as checking on how your baby is going.

There are very gentle Bowen moves for your baby which may assist with:

• Sleeping
• Feeding
• Colic
• Reflux
• General wellbeing

It is important to remember that most couples having trouble conceiving are not biologically infertile, and therefore may conceive naturally with the right information and support. Couples diagnosed with unexplained infertility or a condition known to reduce fertility such as endometriosis and poly cystic ovaries would find this course very beneficial.

Make an appointment today

Sugars

The most important step in any weight management or weight loss plan is to severely restrict sugar and fructose from your diet.  There is evidence that a little bit of fructose may actually help your body process glucose however consuming too much overwhelms the bodies capacity to process it. Fructose in the form of fresh fruit is much better than having fructose as an ingredient in a drink (including sports drinks) or prepared meal.

Therefore the first step to a healthier you is:

• Decrease or cut out sugar, this includes foods which turn to sugar in your body such as anything made with white refined flour such as breads, pastas, muffins, pastry etc.

• Cut out foods with added fructose especially High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). HFCS has been well documented in many health problems, including:
  • • Diabetes
    • Metabolic syndrome (syndrome X – insulin resistance)
    • Damages your immune system
    • Speeds up ageing
    • Often contains mercury
    • Contributes to fat deposits in your liver
    • Leads to plaque build up and narrowing of blood vessels

• You should avoid all fructose and sugar before and after exercise. Having fructose or sugary foods within two hours after exercise will cause your body to stop production of Human Growth Hormone (HGH) and affect your insulin sensitivity. Ideally you should have a high protein low carbohydrate meal after exercising. HGH helps to burn fat and slow aging, so it is a great hormone to allow to work to its fullest potential.

• The best carbohydrates to eat are high quality vegetables that are fresh, minimally processed, ideally locally grown and organic with a majority of them consumed raw.

• Even though it is important to avoid sugar, it is more important to avoid sugar substitutes (artificial sweeteners). Artificial sweeteners have been linked to weight gain, research has shown that artificial sweeteners can stimulate your appetite, increase carbohydrate cravings, and stimulate fat storage and weight gain. In fact, diet sodas may actually double your risk of obesity!

FATS

The second area to look at is the consumption of saturated fats. Contrary to what we have been told for the past few decades, saturated fats from grass fed animals and tropical plant oils are vitally important to optimal health. They provide a concentrated source of energy which are better for you than the energy dense sugars and grains that western diets are overloaded with.

Saturated fats are essential to your health as they provide building blocks for cell membranes and a variety of hormones. They are also necessary to transport the fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K as well as assisting the absorption of minerals.

Saturated fats slow down the absorption of your meal which means you feel satisfied for longer.

Unhealthy fats are the trans fats. These are the fats which have had there original structure altered, such as margarines and rancid vegetable oils.  These fats cause chaos in your body on a cellular level.

Trans fats have been linked to :

• Cancer -  as they interfere with enzymes your body requires to fight cancer
• Diabetes – because they interfere with the insulin receptors in your cell membranes
• Decreased immune function – they suppress your immune response
• Fertility problems – they interfere with enzymes needed to produce sex hormones
• Obesity – they increase weight gain and abdominal fat
• Heart disease – they cause major clogging of your arteries

Healthy Fats include:

• Olives and olive oil (heating will change the oil to a trans fat)
• Coconuts and coconut oil (fantastic cooking oil, packed full of health benefits)
• Butter made with raw, grass fed organic milk
• Raw nuts
• Organic pastured egg yolks
• Avocados
• Grass fed meats
• Palm oil (beware of where it comes from, as often Orangutans are loosing their habitats for the production of palm oil)
• Unheated organic nut oils
• Krill oil

PROTEIN

It is important to choose high quality protein sources. Ideally you want animal protein to come from free range and organic sources rather than being grain fed beef, pasteurized dairy products and farm raised fish. Raw organic nuts, whey protein and raw brown rice protein are other excellent protein sources.

Nuts are high in fibre, protein and as well as the good fats which may increase the bodies sensitivity to insulin therefore aiding weight loss.

Some Great Natural Weight loss help:

Curcumin has become well known for its many health benefits. One of the many benefits that curcumin has is it’s ability to reduce the formation of fat tissue therefore supporting healthy weight in those who consume it. Curcumin is the main constituent in Turmeric that gives it the spicey taste and yellow colour. If you don’t want to add turmeric to all your meals, you can take curcumin in supplement form.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) is a very powerful, naturally occurring polyunsaturated fatty acid which has been linked to increased health and maintaining a normal body composition. CLA maybe helpful in preserving lean body mass and lowering body fat. The best sources of CLA are grass fed beef and grass fed raw dairy products. You can also get CLA in supplement form.

Chew your food for as long as you can. Taking longer to eat has been shown to help you feel more satisfied and ultimately eat less.

Balance Emotional Eating, use healthy stress management tools to reduce stress and the tendency to emotionally eat. Some good techniques include meditation, yoga, gentle exercise, Neurolink or counseling.

Probiotic supplementation has been shown to help people with obese tendencies, Specifically Lactobacillus gasseri. Studies have shown that increasing probiotics in obese people will decrease abdominal fat and subcutaneous fat. Fermented foods, such as Kefir, Lassi and sauerkraut are great sources of beneficial bacteria. You can also get some great supplements which contain different strains of bacteria.

Water is very important for weight loss. There are two main thoughts why drinking water may help weight loss. It maybe that the consumption of water may initiate the body to produce more heat, boosting metabolism and burn more calories. Or, it may simply be that drinking water may decrease the need to drink high calorie drinks and full you up before you eat. Dehydration also mimics feelings of being hungry, therefore if you are eating plenty of nutritionally balanced foods and you still feel hungry, it is very likely that you are actually needing water.

Vinegar taken before a meal can reduce insulin and glucose spikes in the blood caused from the meal. A study that had people consume two table spoons of vinegar before 2 meals during the day lost weight over a four week period.

Sleep has been shown to effect weight. Research from the University of Chicago showed that dieters who slept for 8.5 hours lost 55% more body fat than those who slept 5.5 hours. Those who slept less felt hungrier throughout the day. It is important to be in a deep sleep between 10pm and midnight for your body to produce Human Growth Hormone, which is a valuable hormone to increase metabolism and slow aging. Sleep is also important to increase your Leptin levels which is a hormone that helps to control cravings and suppress your appetite. A lack of sleep tends to interfere with your bodies ability to metabolize carbs, increases insulin resistance, increases the fat your body stores as well as increasing your blood pressure and risk of heart disease.

Cinnamon helps the body balance blood sugar levels which helps to avoid the body converting food to fat storage. Cinnamon has also been shown to help suppress the appetite if taken after meals. Studies have found that having between 1 to 2 & 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon a day were enough to see results. You can add cinnamon to cereals, smoothies, yoghurt, tea, coffees or just sprinkle it over some fruit.

Chromium is an essential trace mineral which aids insulin to transport sugars into our cells for energy rather than to store them as fat. Many people are lacking this mineral due to food processing methods and farming methods. The highest sources of chromium include raw onions, ripe tomatoes and romaine lettuce as well as brewers yeast, oysters, liver, egg yolks, prunes, shrimp, asparagus, apples and potatoes. However, it is hard to get the level of chromium required and supplementation is often advisable.

Coleus Forskolii is a herb grown in the mountains of Asia. Among a number of wonderful benefits this herbs has, it has also been found to increase metabolism and to assist the body to burn fat. It is recommend that you take 50 – 100mg once or twice a day.

Green Tea contains polyphenols and caffeine, and both have been well documented in their ability to increase metabolism and therefore, fat burning ability in our bodies. Research suggests you should drink at least 4 cups of green tea a day which should contain around 300 – 400mg of polyphenols.

Yerba Mate is a herb grown in the rainforests of paraguay which contains 196 chemicals including vitamins, minerals and polyphenols. The most important in the case of its benefit in weight loss is Mateine. Mateine is a xanthine alkaloid similar to caffeine however Mateine has a calming effect on the nervous system. When taken, the combination of chemicals in Yerba mate produce substantial increased energy and fat burning in our bodies. Ideally you need 500mg two to three times a day. Research has shown the best times to take Yerba Mate is upon rising and before cardiovascular exercise.

Do a home thyroid test to check if your thyroid is under active. It may come back being in the “normal” range from a G.P. blood test, however it may still be needing support to function to it’s best ability. If this is the case you maybe struggling to loose that extra weight.

Essential Fatty Acids like those you get from Fish oil, Krill oil and coconut oil help with serotonin levels, which is the feel good hormone. Serotonin is involved with several processes within your body including; depression, mood, emotions, aggression, sleep, appetite, anxiety, memory, and perception. Low serotonin has been linked to obesity.

Eat Breakfast as it has been shown that people who eat breakfast will eat fewer calories throughout the day than those that skip it. Skipping breakfast  is a great way to slow down your metabolism!

Weight Training is important to include into your exercise regime as it helps to speed up your metabolism as well as strengthen bones and give you a better shape. The more muscle mass you have the faster you will burn calories.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/OnCall/story?id=4271246&page=1

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/02/080210183902.htm

http://www.lewrockwell.com/mercola/mercola116.html

http://fat-burners.realsolutionsmag.com/fat-burner-Green-Tea.html

http://whfoods.org/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=51

www.bodhifitonline.com

Getting an accurate test from a physician for hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) can be difficult for a number of reasons. The range that a physician uses to determine whether your thyroid is functioning optimally is quite large. If you are on the lower or higher end of the scale, you may still be in the “normal range”. However you may be showing signs of dysfunction. It is common for someone with hypothyroidism to have a completely normal thyroid test reading. Another reason for a misdiagnosis  can be due to having excess copper in your system which may throw your thyroid test out.

According to the Mayo clinic in America, up to 10% of the population may suffer from thyroid problems and it appears to be on the increase.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Fatigue
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido
• Weakness
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Depression
• Coarse, dry hair
• Cold intolerance (can’t tolerate the cold like those around you)
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches
• Constipation
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Plus many more

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Fatigue
• Palpitations
• Heat intolerance
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Breathlessness
• Increase bowel movements
• Light or absent menstrual periods
• Fast heart rate
• Trembling hands
• Weight loss
• Muscle weakness
• Warm moist skin
• Hair loss
• Staring gaze

Testing Basal Body Temperature for Thyroid Function

1. Shake down a thermometer to below 35 degrees and place it next to your bed before going to sleep at night
2. Immediately upon waking, and with as little movement as possible place the thermometer  under your armpit or in your mouth for a full 10 minutes.
3. Try to move as little as possible; lying with your eyes closed or at least relaxed for the full 10 minutes.
4. After the 10 minutes read and record the temperature
5. It is important to record the temperature for at least three consecutive mornings (ideally  do four consecutive mornings, all at a similar time of day)
6. Menstruating women must preform the test on day 2, 3, 4 and 5 of their cycle (day 1 is the 1st day the flow starts)
7. Men and postmenopausal women can perform the test on any days of the month.

The optimum basal body temperature on waking should be between 36.4 – 36.7 Anything below this may indicate an under active thyroid function.

A temperature above 37 degrees may indicate an over active thyroid function.