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The Danger of Belly Fat & Stress Hormones

February 16, 2021 By admin

What is belly fat?

The stomach muscle covers the midsection of your body, and connect to your pelvis. If you’ve a pad of excess fat covering the muscle, it is known as belly fat, and it’s called visceral fat.

Visceral fat, or belly fat, extends deep into your abdomen, and is close to your internal organs, such as the heart, stomach and liver.

Visceral fat is different to the subcutaneous fat which lies just under the skin, and is far more dangerous. It is made up large fat cells which can grow pack into the spaces between the organs, and results in a negative effect on how they function. This can have a serious effect on your health.

It’s not only fat people who have belly fat, there are factors which show that thin people get it as well i.e. ‘Skinny Fat’.

Essentially though, you need some belly fat to cushion your organs in case of a bump or fall. It’s only when it is alarmingly expanded that you need to take action!

What causes belly fat?

There are many causes of belly fat, most of them directly related to your diet and lifestyle. Here are some of the reasons for the increase in belly fat:

  • Excessive intake of sugary and refined foods such as cakes, candies, sweets, rolls and cookies.
  • Nutrient-poor processed foods and carbohydrates which are not able to be processed by the liver, and end up being stored as fat.
  • Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to excess belly fat.
  • Inactivity and a sedentary lifestyle plays a huge part in obesity, including the dangerous belly fat.

Embracing a healthy eating plan can help prevent belly fat from developing, and fat burning foods like nuts, eggs, lean meat, peppers, leafy greens will help. 


How hormones are linked to belly fat. 

If you have extra belly fat it can indicate that you have an imbalance in the following hormones:

  • Cortisol - is a hormone which is essential to survival. It is produced in the adrenal glands and dictates how energy is used, control of blood pressure, and promotes the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It also helps your body mount a response to stressful situations.Undue stress results in an over-production in response to the stress, which leads to cravings for sugary, fatty comfort foods. This extra food is stored as fat, especially round your abdomen.

  • Oestrogen. Too much oestrogen is a major cause of belly fat, and studies have shown that it affects both men and women. Excess abdominal fat in men increases the conversion of testosterone to oestrogen, and as the oestrogen levels rise, the belly fat increases.This gives rise to a vicious circle as testosterone levels drop lower than normal, leading to increased stress, increased cortisol production, more cravings and more belly fat.

The dangers of belly fat.

Researchers at the American Diabetes Association revealed that visceral fat is just not there in an inactive state. It in fact produces toxins, among which are chemicals called cytokines, which increase your risk of heart disease. The cytokines also make the system less sensitive to insulin, which could lead to the development of diabetes.

Studies at the Massachusetts General Hospital reported that visceral, or belly fat, is one of five components of a metabolic syndrome which increases the risk of the following conditions:

  • Stroke and heart disease.
  • Brain problems such as depression and dementia.
  • High blood pressure and possible hardening of the arteries.
  • Promotes the development of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol in the blood.
  •  Leads to poor blood sugar control which can lead to diabetes.
  • Causes inflammation in the body which increases the chances of falling prey to diseases.
  • The inflammation may also aggravate arthritis, and lead to other bone problems.

Some ways to help combat belly fat.

  • Get your stress levels as low as possible. Stress may lead to a spike in blood sugar, which promotes insulin resistance.
  • Get more exercise. Exercise is crucial to help combat belly fat, so commit to regular exercise to reduce the size of your midriff.
  • Cut out refined, acidic foods. The extra acid in your system which cannot be metabolised, will be deposited in your fat cells.
  • Cut down eating saturated fats which are found in fatty red meats, bacon sausages, processed meats, and cheeses. Opt for lean cuts of meat, skinless chicken, and fish such as salmon, trout, tuna and hake which are rich in omega 3.
  • Eat some good fats, because research has shown that not all fats are bad, and by adding some good fats to your diet, helps the body burn bad fat. Some foods containing healthy fats include avocado, olives, walnuts, and fatty fish.
  • Drink less alcohol which is high in calories and sugar, and leads to fat gain, often apparent in the middle and waist area.

Banishing belly fat will be good for many things.

heart health

Excessive, unsightly belly fat may also have a detrimental effect on your self-confidence, and as well as your self-esteem. Looking good again, can help rebuild positive feelings about yourself.

But the most important benefit will be the restoration of good health, and a major improvement in your general feeling of well-being.

Nip increasing belly fat in the bud by dealing with stress to prevent the super-production of the stress hormone, cortisol which is the major culprit in the development of belly fat. 

By getting your stress under control you can start to reduce your extra weight gain.

References : Harvard Medical School – Massachusetts General Hospital.
www.webmd.com/diet/features/the-truth-about-belly-fat
www.dailyburn.com/life/health/how-to-lose-bellyfat
www.doctoroz.com/article/reset-your-hormones-beat-belly-fat

 

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Filed Under: blog Tagged With: belly fat, Cinnamon, cortisol, energy, essential oil], Herbs, hormone balancing, hormones, keto, ketoforwoman, metabolism, stress, sugarbalancing, visceral fat, weight loss

Health Lymph Healthy Immune System

May 8, 2020 By admin

This is one of the systems in your body that doesn’t get enough attention and it’s function is so critical - that’s your lymphatic system. 

This expansive system travels throughout your body to remove waste from every cell while helping to regulate your immune system. That is always a big deal!

 These are some of the signs you’re lymph needs more support and is congested:-

  • Cellulite, fatty deposits or lumpy skin
  • Water retention, weight gain
  • Skin problems, itchy or dry skin
  • Fatigue
  • Stiffness, muscle and joint pain
  • Constipation, bloating
  • Breast swelling during your cycle
  • Brain fog, headaches
  • Swollen glands
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Chronic sinusitis, colds, sore throats, clogged ears

What is your lymphatic system?

It includes a complex network of vessels, ducts, lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus, the adenoids, and the tonsils. While your circulatory system takes nutrients to all your tissues, the lymphatic system helps get rid your body’s toxins and waste.

Lymph system

Your lymph vessels act like a giant drainage system for the body that needs to stay clear for it to work properly. Just like in your home if the drains your toilet or sink become clogged, or if you never took out the trash – you know what your house would smell like!

This is an analogy for what happens if your lymph becomes stagnant

Stagnant lymph flow leads to waste and toxin build-up, weakening your immunity and may lead to variety of health issues. Your lymph is also full of white blood cells to help fight infection, and it's critical for strong immunity.
​
Your lymph needs to flow freely like a river

River

The lymph tackles toxins that are introduced to the body from both external means (food, air, personal care products, water) as well as internal ones (damaged proteins and cellular/metabolic waste), making it a key detoxification pathway. Once the toxins enter the bloodstream, they are purified through the largest lymphatic tissue in the body, the spleen.

 Your diet can affect your lymph and essentially ‘clog’ it up. Certain foods are what we refer to as mucus causing and don’t do your immune system any good. These foods, and it’s different for different people, can cause you to look more swollen, you can be fit and slim and still have saggy skin over your kneecaps and below your bra. This is your body holding onto toxins, when your lymph is clogged and not flowing freely.

What you don’t eliminate you’ll accumulate ... and where does it go?

Of all the body's 7 channels of elimination: the liver, lungs, colon, kidneys, blood, skin, and lymphatic system, the lymph is the most critical. It represents 75% of your total body volume and is made up of about 95% water, your blood accounts for 25% of your body's fluids. 

Most of us don’t realise that the spleen is our main immune defense, fighting infection, holding a reserve of red and white blood cells and destroying worn-out red blood cells in the body.

If you’re taking care of your lymphatic system, you may also start to notice that you retain less water/ lose weight, fewer aches/ pains, your skin clears up, and you’ll have more energy.

 What are all the functions of your lymph fluid?

  • Filters bacteria, foreign materials, toxins and harmful substances
  • Drains excess fluid from tissues and cells into the bloodstream to prevent water retention, swelling & inflammation
  • Transports proteins back into the blood supply
  • Produces antibodies to fight bacteria
  • Absorbs fat from intestines and transports it back to the liver

How does your lymph get congested?

Chronic stress - when you are under stress, your body creates stress-fighting hormones and inflammation. When your body is fighting inflammation and pathogens, your body is creating more and more white blood cells to counteract this. As a result, your lymph nodes can start filling up, backing up the whole lymph system, and create swelling.

erase stress

Digestive imbalances - may irritate the intestinal villi, most of your lymphatic system surrounds your gut with the Gut Associated Lymphatic Tissues (GALT). Hence your gut health and the health of the intestinal villi is essential for lymph flow, detoxification, and immunity.

Nutrient deficiencies – such as iodine, magnesium and vitamin C are important to mitigate the harmful effects of environmental toxins and to support your lymph system in protecting your body. 

Mg food

Dehydration and a of lack physical activity can result in lymph fluid slowing down. Your lymph system relies on pressure from muscle movement and breathing to move fluids around. Lacking this pressure due to a sedentary lifestyle or chronic dehydration may slow and congest your lymph system.

 How does the lymph system work?

It moves slowly like a sloth. The lymph fluids (which collect cellular wastes) flow to the lymph vessels, and then on to the lymph nodes and then on to the body's eliminative organs (kidneys, colon, lungs and skin) for the elimination of wastes. 

What are lymph nodes? 

Your body has 600-700 lymph nodes throughout your body i.e. tonsils, adenoids and appendix. All cellular wastes and damaged cells must go into the lymph nodes where they are broken down and neutralised before they are eliminated. 

What are the physical symptoms of accumulated cellular acid wastes? 

 A clogged lymphatic system could lead to - cellulite, oedema (fluid retention), chronic pain, sinusitis, swollen glands, eczema, arthritis, sinus and ear infections; throat problems, colds and pneumonia.

 If you are experiencing symptoms of lymph congestion, you may benefit from trying some natural ways to stimulate your lymph system. Here are nine ways to help boost a healthy lymph flow. 

 1. Exercise and move.

Your lymphatic system doesn't have a pump, so it absolutely needs movement in the form of exercise to get it going. Unlike the circulatory system, which depends on your heart, the. You may have noticed that your legs are more swollen if you sit all the time - that's your lymph. 

 Get up, move, and stretch. One of my favourite ways and it’s so beneficial for your lymph system is to use a rebounder. I wrote an article on this – you can read about it here. 

Move your lymph

2. Try deep breathing.

A great way to move your lymph is deep, slow breathing. The lymph collectors are sitting right under the sternum, do some breathing exercises every day. Deep breathing can promote intrathoracic pressure to improve the oxygen supply to your cells. 

 Your rib cage is a major lymphatic pump that is necessary for healthy lymphatic flow. Try yoga, breathe work and aerobic exercise.

 3. Alkalise

Living an acidic lifestyle is the biggest contributor to a stagnant, dehydrated lymphatic system. Start your day with a glass of warm lemon water immediately after waking. This helps to clear your digestive tract of any stagnation, that has accumulated overnight, it will also alkalise your system. Lemons are alkaline!

An acidic lifestyle includes eating acidic foods - processed, dairy, animal proteins, fried foods, coffee, alcohol, soda, energy and sports drinks. Other acidic lifestyle contributors are smoking, drugs and emotional stresses. 

When you stop eating acidic, mucus-forming foods and start cleaning your body out with alkaline, whole living foods you will have a more robust internal environment which will improve your immune system so you will not be as susceptible to infections.

Going on an elimination diet in which you focus on gluten-free grains (quinoa, millet, amaranth, buckwheat), seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame), and fresh organic vegetables and fruits will help you detox and clean out your lymphatic system in just two to three months.

4. Hydrate. 

Proper hydration improves your skin’s health and helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, wrinkles, and blemishes. 

4. Dry Skin Brushing.

Dry brushing your body before you go in the shower! Sounds odd I know, but it gets your circulation going and removes dead skin cells with toxins that clog the lymph. It will leave your skin soft, renewed, and invigorated. 

This simple technique has been around for more than 5,000 years, making it one of the longest-standing traditions for natural health. Ayurvedic practitioners sometimes refer to it as garshana, and it is often used to promote better blood circulation at the start of the day. 

The simple act of pampering your skin with a natural bristle body brush takes only a few minutes, but it helps with many different conditions by: 

Moving lymph, Increasing energy, Improving cellulite and supporting the body’s ability to detox

dry skin brush
slim n sassy

7. Take hot baths.

 Fill a steaming bathtub with two cups of Epsom salt (make sure there are no added ingredients like artificial fragrances, flavours, or colours) and a half-cup of baking soda—this is very detoxifying and supplies your body with magnesium—it also helps with deep sleep! 

It also assists the lymph with clearing out toxins and rejuvenating cells.

 8. Use essential oils.

 Essential oils are great to use in the bath or massage on the legs and arms mixed with calendula oil or St. John's wort oil. Calendula is great for breaking up lymph stagnation—the massage oil or drinking the tea.

 It's important to combine essential oils with a "carrier" oil so they can penetrate the skin. Make sure you use quality brands to ensure their purity. The brand I use for our family is doTerra,

 Here are some great essential oils for lymph cleansing in particular—blend a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba oil and rub in the inner and outer thigh, around the knees, near the armpits, and on the abdomen in a clockwise motion:

  • Slim ‘n Sassy – Grapefruit Peel: provides cleansing and detoxifying benefits/ Lemon Peel: acts as a natural cleanser and aids digestion/ Peppermint leaves: helps manage hunger cravings / Ginger Root: may help support healthy digestion / Cinnamon Bark: supports healthy metabolic function
  • Black pepper
  • Helichrysum
  • Cypress
  • Lemon grass

8. Herbal Medicine

 Many herbs are effective in improving lymphatic health, by either increasing the flow of lymphatic and drainage or improving the clearance of toxins. 

 Red clover, Cleavers or goosegrass, has been used for centuries and considered one of the best tonics to stimulate and help drain the lymphatic system. 

 Coming from the Ayurvedic tradition is manjistha, by detoxifying the tissue and supporting lymph flow. Bupleurum is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

 I like to make up a Herbal Tonic for clients called Lymphosise alongside other remedies.

 9. Lymphatic massage

 This is a special form of massage that specifically targets the flow of lymph in the body. It uses light pressure and rhythmic circular movements to stimulate the lymph, encouraging its movement towards the heart for the drainage of fluid and waste. 

 Lymphatic massage moves stagnant lymph back into circulation and mobilises toxins to support clearance, lessening the burden on the lymphatic system.

Conclusion

Your lymphatic system is crucial for your immune system and for protecting you from inflammation and illness. If your lymphatic system is congested, it cannot protect you effectively and makes you prone to infections and disease. 

 Better lymphatic flow to tissues, gets more nutrients to your cells and increasing the regenerative and healing ability of your body. 

 Remember: What you do not eliminate you will accumulate so you must move your lymph! 

 Try these tips for two to three months for a full lymph clearing and a whole new level of health, energy, and radiance.

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Filed Under: blog

Improve Your Memory & Focus with Natural Nootropics

February 5, 2020 By admin

 

You may have experienced at least some form of poor brain performance at some point.

Is there really anything you can do about these issues? 

 Medical science is being rewritten to show that you can improve the health of your brain, and that repairing damage is not only possible, it's something we all may be able to do.

Perhaps you think that the brain is beyond repair. Even the medical establishment has believed that once we kill brain cells, they are gone forever or that brain brain is in a constant state of decline. 


 However, new science is now proving that your can repair itself. It wasn't until the 1980's when Fernando Nottebohm's research at Rockefeller University clearly indicated that neurogenesis -- production of new nerve cells, aka neurons -- was taking place in the adult vertebrate brain.

The next big step in this scientific evolution would take more than thirty years. 

Just like the muscles of the body, when the brain is well-nourished and stimulated through proper exercise, it heals and grows. And with proper care and feeding, this amazing brain regeneration can occur throughout life.

Aging is often associated with cognitive decline. However, a growing body of literature shows that retaining a sharp, lucid brain means never retiring our critical thinking skills.

 Over the past decade, there’s also been a lot of excitement over nootropics, while this term may be new to you, nootropics have been used in both Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic healing for thousands of years.

 Many of us want to boost our brain power, whether a student struggling to pass exams or warding off memory loss as we age, people are using nootropics for an array of personal and professional reasons. 

 So, what’s exactly is a Nootropic?

Nootropics are substances (supplements, herbs, drugs, or other substances) that may have the ability to enhance brain circulation, alertness, thinking, memory, focus and concentration while decreasing mental fatigue and fog. Some nootropics are also adaptogenic, meaning they help your body manage stress.

Most nootropics are neuroprotective and cerebral anti-inflammatories. also protecting your brain from damage and degeneration. 

Nootropics may be useful for enhancing your emotional and mental well-being, slowing or preventing the onset of age-related cognitive decline or disease (Alzheimer’s), and help to protect you against the effects of damage to the brain including certain trauma injuries (i.e. concussion)

The word “nootropic” is derived from the Greek words “noos” (mind) and “tropos” (a bend or turn). The term nootropic was initially used to describe chemical/pharmaceutical nootropics or “smart drugs”, “cerebral stimulants.” such as caffeine, nicotine, Aderall and L-Dopa – all of which can cause mild to severe adverse effects.  

Psychologist and chemist Dr. Corneliu Giurgea, was the first nootropics researcher. He explained that nootropics must meet a number of features to be classified as such. According to this definition, a true nootropic will offer:

  • Improved learning and short-term memory retention
  • Increased resilience to stress hormones and trauma
  • Brain cell protection and communication
  • No side effects 

Using Natural Nootropics

​While Nootropics can have many benefits for brain health, they shouldn’t be used as a substitute for healthy habits, You can't really "out-supplement" a poor lifestyle. Nootropics should not be used to cover up the effects of a lifestyle that doesn't support a healthy brain. 

Getting enough sleep, eating a nutritious diet and managing stress are fundamental for achieving optimal cognitive performance, says Chris D’Adamo, PhD, at the University of Maryland. Once a person incorporates these changes into their life, nootropics can serve as an additional bonus for improving mental sharpness and reducing mental fatigue.

There are a wide range of compounds that could technically be categorised as "nootropics"—including antioxidant-rich foods (like extra virgin olive oil and turmeric). In fact, many foods that you eat on a regular basis contain these compounds. For instance, coffee and green tea contain caffeine, which is a nootropic.

Vitamin C rich foods


Having a complete and balanced diet is one of the best ways to get plenty of nootropics in their natural form. 

Before we dive in, it's important to mention that if you're concerned about any cognitive symptoms you're having, be sure to consult your doctor.

The Benefits of Natural Nootropics 

Nootropics have been used for thousands of years, just without the fancy “nootropics” title.

 Used in cultures all the world, you could call them natural nootropics. You can think of these natural nootropics like superfoods (nutrient-dense foods) that specifically boost your brain power. 

 These nootropics not only support brain health and brain wellness, they can actually improve your mental performance and improve the way you think. 

  • Reducing your stress levels 
  • Helping you focus on new information
  • Enabling better thought flow while you’re writing or speaking
  • Enhancing creativity and your ability to come up with new ideas
  • Helping you memorise a speech

 Additionally, natural nootropics have additional benefits for your overall longevity: they can help you protect your brain against disease, keep your nervous system in optimal condition, and in some cases, even set the stage for the growth of new brain cells.

Best of all, they’re just plants, which means these types of nootropics can either be taken as herbal supplements, or better still, used as ingredients in the delicious foods you eat.

Natural Nootropics

Botanical brain balms work in a different way from conventional medicine because plant extracts are ‘multi-drugs’ which means they contain a range of ingredients, each with different health benefits, unlike single drug medicines. This means they can work on more than one aspect of the brain to beneficial effect. Traditional plant medicines, as long as they are produced, prescribed and used correctly, have a long legacy of safe use simply because they have been taken for hundreds if not thousands of years.

Adaptogens are natural substances that help the body handle stress and that as a by-product can also improve your brain function. 

Examples include herbs like ginseng, bacopa, rhodiola, gingko and gotu kola.

Unlike caffeine, which is a stimulant that encourages a specific response within the body, adaptogenic herbs help the body adapt to stress by nudging it toward balance. To put it a different way, if caffeine is like a map from point A (sleepy) to point B (alert), adaptogens are more like a GPS system that figures out where you are and helps you get where you need to go (balanced).

Since stress and exhaustion are two factors that can greatly decrease cognitive ability, it makes sense that adaptogens may improve brain performance by balancing the body and reducing stress.

Here are some of the best adaptogens and nootropics:

Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) or Brahmi is fundamental herb in Ayurvedic medicine to promote memory and focus, relieve anxiety and stress It is also an adaptogen, which fight off the free radicals linked to heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Ginseng one of the most popular adaptogenic herbs, from traditional chinese medicine, it’s a long, light brown root with green leaves and a bitter flavor. It has a positive effect on the immune system.

Ginseng can support reduced blood sugar levels and increased concentration while helping with menopause, cancer, blood pressure, and heart disease. 

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) tincture (the active constituents are not water soluble), the leaves of the ginkgo biloba tree have been shown to be a powerful brain booster. Not only has this been shown to improve memory, but it can also alleviate stress by decreasing your stress hormone, cortisol.

Lush and leafy, ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest living tree species. It’s a popular natural nootropic that has a positive effect on cognitive function. Practitioners of Chinese medicine use the herb to reduce dementia symptoms and reverse depression symptoms.

Gingko may play a role in improving blood flow, which can support artery health and reduce the chance of stroke. Other studies demonstrate the positive impacts of Gingko on eye health. Age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of vision loss, may be slowed with a regular ginkgo biloba supplement.

Aromatherapy

In a pilot trial carried out last at Dilston Physic Garden (a collaboration with medical herbalists, universities and other research bodies to widen understanding into medicinal plants), sage taken with lemon balm and rosemary improved the ability to recall a list of words by more than 50 per cent in 63-year-olds.

Rosemary is a memory tonic for more on this essential oil read here

Nootropic Supplements

Curcumin - You have 99 problems, and curcumin can probably solve 98 of them—and you can add improved cognitive performance to that list. 

Turmeric has been shown to improve working memory with consistent long-term supplementation. 

L-theanine - a common and powerful nootropic found in Green Tea. Studies have shown L-theanine increases attention performance, improves sleep, boost reaction time, and promote relaxation. It could also be therapeutic for patients who suffer from high anxiety. These benefits are linked to L-theanine’s neuroprotective effects, meaning it can restore and regenerate nerve cells in multiple ways.

​Omega-3's - such as DHA and EPA are essential building blocks for a healthy brain. Being deficient in omega-3's can impair proper communication between brain cells, slow your thinking, and impair your memory and focus. Thankfully, a ton of foods contain Omega-3's, like walnuts, chia seeds, and oily fish.

Choline - a supplement that enhances cognitive function. Since you use so much acetylcholine when you’re calculating, processing, and problem-solving, having enough choline means having the acetylcholine you need for attention and focus. 

 

If your memory isn't what it used to be and you need further help, then there may be a great deal of benefit to you to go to find a naturopath to guide you back to health. 

To find out more about how you can manage your stress, anxiety or energy levels please contact sue@suehardman.com.

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This blog is intended as an informational guide. The remedies, approaches and techniques described herein are meant to supplement, and not be a substitute for professional medical care or treatment. They should not be used to treat a serious ailment without prior consultation with a qualified health care professional.

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Zinc for Skin, Hormones and Cravings

May 8, 2019 By admin

Zinc is an essential trace element, that’s found and used by every cell throughout your body. Could this simple mineral deficiency be the cause of your health issue?

It’s estimated that around 20% of the world’s population, have sub-optimal zinc status. 

This nutrient isn’t usually in the spotlight, but your body’s performance wouldn’t be nearly as harmonious without it.

Why is Zinc So Important?

It is important for the functioning of over 300 enzymes and underlies the physiology of every body system.

Zinc is one of 16 essential minerals that you need to survive. you only need small amounts of it. Anytime a nutrient is considered ‘essential’ it means your body needs it to stay healthy, you can’t produce it and therefore you must get it from your food.  

We don’t hear as much about it as we do major minerals—like iron, sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium—which your body uses in larger amounts. But your body relies on zinc for growth, maintenance, and numerous biological functions – skin health, immunity, growth hormones, and more, so it’s definitely worth keeping tabs on your intake.

Someone I know told me that when she addressed her zinc deficiency, within days, her energy and sleep returned to normal.

What are the signs that you might not be getting enough zinc?

  • A weak immune system (frequent and/or long colds), poor wound healing
  • GI issues – Diarrhea, low stomach acid production, gut wall barrier function
  • Hair loss
  • Hormonal imbalance (PMS, hypothyroid, low progesterone, infertility, low libido)
  • Fatigue or Brain fog
  • Changes in taste & smell
  • Slow growth in early years
  • Low mood, memory, concentration
  • Anxiety and depression 


Incredible Benefits of Zinc

Your body uses zinc in numerous ways, here are some of the key areas:

1. Significantly boosts your immune systemand helps to fight off viruses and bacteria. 

the link between gut and allergies

It’s essential for the normal development of your immune cells, zinc supplements can be used in SOS moments to reduce the duration of a cold. It also supports the function of the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) that protects your cells from oxidative damage caused by exposure to environmental toxins.

2. It can help your skinand plays a key role in cuts and scrapes healing properly —in fact, it’s involved with every stage of the process, tissue renewal to scar formation. If it takes a while for your cuts, scrapes, and burns to heal, you may want to take a look at your zinc intake. Acne sufferers – studies have found that certain forms of the mineral can soothe breakouts.  

3. Zinc may help keep your vision healthy as you age. Several studies have found that supplementing with zinc can help protect you against advanced age-related macular degeneration. This is a condition that can lead to vision loss, and it’s most common in those over 50. 

4. Zinc keeps your blood sugar stable and plays a role in the synthesis, storage, and release of insulin in your pancreas. So, a zinc deficiency could negatively affect your insulin levels, which can lead to negative changes in appetite and blood sugar levels. 

5. It keeps your digestion running smoothly. Zinc acts as a co-factor in a lot of gut activities  – like helping your body to properly digest food(stomach acid production), absorb nutrients and may improve your gut wall integrity.

You may mistake symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea for something like a gluten intolerance. Zinc deficiency is related to digestive problems like diarrhoeaand supplementation has been shown to reduce the duration of acute diarrhoea.

6. It could help reduce inflammation: Some researchers believe that low zinc levels are associated with systemic inflammation, a condition that’s linked with everything from heart disease to cancer. 

I have written before about how inflammation is increasingly thought to be a significant contributor to many chronic illnesses—from cancer, heart disease, autoimmune disorders and Type 2 diabetes—more so as we get older.

Chronic, low-grade inflammation is worsened by excessive fat around the middle, poor diet, lack of exercise – all the usual lifestyle factors.

Zinc is one of the body’s natural anti-inflammatories, however it is susceptible to malabsorption, particularly as we grow older, leading to deficiency. 

7. Zinc benefits both male and female hormonal health, you need sufficient levels of zinc for your body to create hormones. and to maintain proper hormone balance. 

Boosting fertility, as it plays an important role in increasing testosterone naturally, and is involved in the creation and release of eggs within and from the ovaries.

Research has found that zinc levels are directly associated with the following hormones, 

  • Testosterone 
  • Growth hormone
  • Thyroid hormones – T3 & T4
  • Oestrogen
  • Progesterone

 If your levels are too high or too low it can cause problems with menstruation, mood swings, early menopause, thyroid and infertility.
8. When you’re under stress, whether emotional (e.g. work) or physical (e.g. trauma, overtraining), you’re at risk of using up zinc more quickly than you’re able to replenish it, and become more vulnerable to infection, as well as other health issues, such as depression.

Zinc manufactures enzymes which are required for serotonin (the happy hormone) production and is also involved in the synthesis of a neurotransmitter called GABA that calms down your nervous responses.

In particular it reduces the activity of beta waves in your brain, this allows more analytical thinking. 
Studies have shown that zinc levels are low in patients who are anxious or depressed.

Zinc also ….

  • Helps to create DNA in every cell
  • Is essential during growth and development in babies and children.
  • Provides building blocks for enzymes needed in a healthy metabolism.
  • Supports protein synthesis.
  • Allows you to smell and taste. 
  • Can combat high blood pressure.
  • Boosts athletic performance through improved muscle repair.


Who may be at risk of a low zinc status:

  • Vegans and vegetarians are susceptible, as plant foods are less abundant in zinc than animal protein. Plants are often rich in a substance called phytic acid that inhibits the absorption of minerals.
  • Poor absorption – amongst those with digestive conditions (e.g. inflammatory bowel disease) and diarrhea.
  • Low stomach acid levels driven by ageing and stomach acid lowering medications, result in poor zinc absorption. The elderly, are most susceptible be the reason why they are at high risk of a zinc deficiency and immune issues.
  • High usage of zinc – due to high stress, or pregnancy, breastfeeding, high alcohol intake, and chronic use of other ‘zinc-depleting’ medications such as diuretics.

How Do You Increase Your Zinc Status?

Zinc is found in animal protein, especially red meat, turkey, oysters, and shrimp. 

Plant foods also provide zinc – pulses, legumes, nuts, and seeds i.e. cashews, pumpkin seeds, beans, lentils, quinoa and eggs. To improve the absorption of zinc from phytate-rich plant foods such as pulses, grains, nuts and seeds – soak, ferment, or sprout them, this will help to reduce the phytate content.

Support your ability to handle stress by practicing a daily relaxation technique, increase your intake of calming herbs, nutrients – like B Vitamins, magnesium, passiflora and L-theanine. Using calming essential oils – lavender, clary sage and bergamot.

Support your digestion and absorption – with mindful eating, probiotics and digestive enzyme supplementation.

Consider daily zinc supplementation, especially if you are vegan, vegetarian, pregnant, breastfeeding, and for children as well, and seek the advice of a professional for tailored advice according to your unique health needs. Zinc supplementation has been shown to be beneficial for a wide range of clinical scenarios.

Improving your zinc status may well be the missing link to your path to optimum health.

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, Blood sugar, candida, diarrhoea, digestive disorders, fatigue, fertility, hormone balancing, hormones, immune system, metabolism, mood, skin

Rose a woman’s healing herb – an essential in any healing toolkit

February 11, 2019 By admin

Rose A Herbal Healer

The rose is steeped in legend and symbolism from Greek mythology, the Eastern traditions and also in Roman legends. Since those early days the rose has not only been appreciated for its beauty and perfume but also for its medicinal values.

One of the most sensuous and romantic of flowers – is used as a symbol of love in western cultures, of divine love in the church, as a food in the middle east and in skin and perfume preparations since Egyptian times.

In Ayurveda they say rose treats the heart, nerves, and lifts the spirits. It has an affinity for the blood and has a certain astringency that stops bleeding and reduces inflammation, so it’s very beneficial when there are signs of heat (in Ayurveda high Pitta in one’s constitution) – like a red tongue, agitation, hot flushes, lots of blood, irritability and emotional sensitivity.

Rose a herbal healer

The areas where I tend to find rose most beneficial, as a Naturopath and Herbalist, is for women who have issues with PMT, hormone imbalance or who  have periods that are painful, excessive or irregular, it is helpful with infertility and to increase sexual desire.

If there is an underlying anxiety, nervousness, sadness or grief the role of rose is nourishing on the nervous system. It has a calming effect on the emotions and the heart.

I would also recommend using Rose in the following situations:

– for fevers, rashes, infections, colds & flu
– as a tea to help clear heat & boost immunity
– for hyperacidity, diarrhea, excess phlegm
– rose water is an excellent cleanser used to soothe the skin
– to help with tissue repair with skin blemishes, acne, minor cuts and fine lines

How to use Rose

  • PMT or problems with your periods –  try drinking 2 -3 cups of Rose tea daily.
  • Feeling irritable or sad – add rose otto essential oil to your bath or rub it on your forehead or over your heart area. Drink the tea.
  • Red skin and acne – spray your face with Rose water after cleansing. The best toner ever!
  • Inflamed red eyes – spray rose water onto cotton pads and place over eyelids

To find out more about how you can work with me – please see the different options  HERE

Also if you’d like to receive future newsletters or blogs straight to your inbox, please sign up HERE in the sign-up box. 

‘The Good Health Guide’ newsletter is filled with inspiration, practical, easy to follow tips and articles on healthy eating, recipes, exercise and natural medicines to help you live a healthier life.

These newsletter are all delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up HERE.

This is what readers of the ‘The Good Health Guide’ newsletter are saying about it:

  • Just to say that I do really like your newsletters and many thanks! I always read them all the way through and there’s not many newsletters I can say that about. Sue Saker – London UK www.thecouplescoach.co.uk,

  • Thanks for this – I love receiving your emails ! So interesting.
    Emma – London UK
     The Decor Cafe.

  • Fabulous, Excellent Sue!!
    Julie Cleverdon – South Africa. Director of The MTN Science Centre mtnsciencentre.org.za

  • I love your updates Sue -find them really informative and useful. Thank you for sharing important information so freely, what a gift to the health of humanity.
    Pippa Dowding, Leadership Coach and Facilitator – Cape Town, South Africa

  • This is a great newsletter Sue! (caroline@carolinecain.com)

  • Great artical, keep them coming. Doug – Frankfurt, Germany

SIGN UP HERE

Filed Under: blog Tagged With: acne, anti-inflammatory, ayurveda, emotional healing, emotions, Herbal First Aid, Herbs, hormone balancing, infertility, Natural Medicine, Pita, Plant Medicine 101, rose, skin, Womans health

Oregano the superman of essential oils

December 15, 2018 By admin

Oregano is the superman of oils for your immune system. It’s one of the oils that goes in my Immune Bomb Blend along with On Guard, Tea Tree and Frankincense in an oil rub.

Oregano oil is rich in phenols that prevent fungal infection. It also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.

Oregano oil can be taken internally to help support a healthy immune system and healthy digestion and respiratory function.* 

Oregano oil is also an excellent source of antioxidants.* Other benefits of Oregano oil can be utilised when preparing and eating culinary dishes. 

One drop taken daily can help maintain healthy immune function.* 

Oregano can be taken more frequently when seasonal threats are high or as needed to further boost immunity.* 

You can put two drops of Oregano essential oil in a veggie capsule to help support immune function.*

• This is a hot oil so please use with caution – always dilute even when diffusing or inhaling—only one to two drops are needed. When applied topically, Oregano oil should always be diluted with Coconut Oil.

Ensure Purity Of Your Oregano Oil

Each batch of doTERRA essential oils is thoroughly and carefully tested through the CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® protocol. This protocol is composed of a variety of strict, scientific tests that assess the purity of doTERRA essential oils. If a batch of essential oils is tested and found pure, then it is packaged and released so that individuals and families everywhere can experience the powerful impact of pure and effective essential oils. 

• Diffuse with doTerra On Guard when you are coming down with a cold or feeling sick.

If you’d like to know more about how to order doTerra oils, please email me sue@suehardman.com

Cautions
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

doTERRA places an emphasis on providing pure oils because pure oils are effective oils. Too often, essential oils available for purchase are diluted with filler substances or contaminants. Oils that are not pure decrease how effective the essential oils are and reduce their power and potential. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Here's a few options for ordering your very own doTerra essential oils

Become a wholesale member

If you just want to buy oils –  let me first explain the benefits (and pretty much ZERO risk) of starting a wholesale account:

  • Get access to wholesale pricing (25% discount)
  • dōTERRA now has local distribution centres and warehouses in Australia, Central America, Costa Rica, Europe, French Polynesia, Guatemale, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States.
  • dōTERRA is looking to have local distribution centres in South Africa in 2019, so you are in a Global Access Country.  As a result, you can still set up an account as a Global Access Member, and order from America or if you have family or friends travelling to South Africa they can  bring for you.
  • Wholesale warehouses are opening up around the world regularly, consequently it will not take too long to get a warehouse in YOUR country.

How to set up a wholesale account:

Option 1: Pay a wholesale annual membership of $35, then you can choose any oils, blends, or consumables to create a custom order whenever you like AND you can purchase dōTERRA products at a discounted price (a minimum 25% discount). There are no other requirements with this option. No monthly fee or purchase required. To keep your wholesale pricing, you just need to buy 1 item every year (and even if you’re only using one oil, that should be pretty easy)

* Ensure that you add the 'Introductory Welcome Packet' at checkout if choosing this option.

Option 2 (the better option): Purchase a starter kit to kick off your membership, and the wholesale membership fee is waived! 

Purchasing a kit is the best value way to get started and there's an enrolment kit to suit every budget. The Home Essentials Kit is amazing value as you'll receive the top 10 essential oils that every household needs plus a diffuser.

 (if you’re overwhelmed and not sure what’s right for you, please get in touch – sue@suehardman.com

As a wholesale member, you’ll:

  • Save 25% off all your orders
  • Gain access to our Private Facebook Support Groups and Online Oil Education Program
  • Have the option to receive commissions or referral bonuses for sharing with friends and family – or building your own business, should you choose
    ​
    ​

Ready to join me? Here’s what you do:

Drop me an email and I'll send you the details on how to do this - sue@suehardman.com

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