When it reaches 3pm, and you’re craving your afternoon ‘pick-me-up’ treat or coffee… think again. There’s another way to get your energy boost. It’s a glass of cold water. Water is your body’s main source of energy – and it does a lot more than that! Many of the physical problems we experience often come from a lack of hydration. If you feel thirsty, you’re already on your way to dehydration – you will have already lost around 2-3% of your body’s water content. That has a big impact on how your body functions… your mental and physical coordination start to become impaired once your body’s dehydration drops just 1%. Dehydration can lead to:

poor metabolism;increased hunger and fatigue;higher levels of acids and inflammation; andfuzzy memory and thinking.

Every cell, organ, muscle and bone in your body thrives on good, clean water. Water flushes impurities, reduces acids and improves skin quality. It converts prevents constipation, makes the body’s repair mechanisms more efficient... and much more!But not all water is ‘good’ for you. Tap water is perhaps the worst type of water as it’s packed full of chemicals, heavy metals and wastes, as well as being highly chlorinated and fluoridated. Rainwater often has to pass through thick bands of pollution, which affects the quality. Stream water is also exposed to rain water run-off or other residues, increasing toxicity levels.The best water you can put into your body is filtered, alkalized water. I’d recommend investing in an alkalized water filter, but if you can’t afford one, there are other less expensive options. You could use a ceramic filter, buy bottled water, or even boil your water. Plus, you can also naturally alkalize your water by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime. As an added benefit, adding some lemon in the morning will do wonders to your digestive system! --

As winter approaches, and you begin dusting off your scarves and jumpers, perhaps it’s a great time to think about whether you’re getting enough Vitamin C. Vitamin C, also called ascorbic acid, is involved in many processes in the human body. Our bodies cannot create Vitamin C, so instead, we get it from the foods we eat.Why it is important? Vitamin C is an antioxidant and is needed for the growth and repair of tissues in the body. Vitamin C:

acts as a reducing agent, meaning it donates electrons to various processes throughout the body;helps the body produce collagen (the fibrous protein that gives strength to the connective tissue);helps the intestines adsorb iron;helps produce other vital hormones and neurostransmitters, like carnitine (an amino acid derivative) and thyroxine (thyroid hormone); andhelps with the body’s immunity.

What foods should I eat? All fruits and vegetables contain some Vitamin C, but some provide much more than others. Citrus fruits, guavas, kiwis, mangoes, papayas, peaches, strawberries, potatoes, and green vegetables are great sources! If you eat at least the recommended 5 servings of fruit and vegetables per day, you should have ample Vitamin C. Fresh or lightly cooked foods are the best sources, since Vitamin C is easily lost in processing and cooking. According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, adults need about 45 mg of Vitamin C per day. What happens when you don’t get enough? A lack of Vitamin C stops your body from creating normal amounts of collagen, which can impact your body’s connective tissue. The deficiency disease – called scurvy – is often associated with poverty, where people aren’t able to eat foods rich in Vitamin C. Even though scurvy isn’t common in developed countries like Australia, anyone who eats few fruits and vegetables can experience Vitamin C deficiency. Your body's functions and immune system are compromised when you don't get enough.Can I eat too much? Researches suggest limiting Vitamin C intake to no more than 1,000 mg/day for adults. Eating too much can lead to diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal upsets.Source: Wardlaw, G., Hampl, J. and DiSilvestro, R. 2004. Perspectives in Nutrition, Sixth Edition, pg 352-356.

The liver is such an important part of the body – it controls so many functions within our digestive system – and yet, it’s often an organ we don’t give much thought to. But we should, because how we treat our liver directly impacts our wellbeing. The liver is your body’s second largest organ and its primary job is to produce bile*. Bile is a thick, greenish substance that breaks down fat so it can be digested^. Bile is stored in the gall bladder until it is needed. When you eat a big, hearty meal loaded with fat, your liver prepares for the assault be producing bile and storing it in the gallbladder. As well as breaking down fats into smaller units, your liver also has other functions*:

processes carbohydrates, lipids and proteins;helps in your blood’s detoxification;stores nutrients, vitamins and minerals that help produce vital proteins; andkeeps your immune system strong.

Essentially, your liver “takes out the garbage” from your body, and that’s why it can easily become overloaded with toxins*. You can often tell how your liver is functioning by how you’re feeling. If you begin to feel sluggish and tired, it might be a sign of liver congestion*. A sluggish liver can also lead to other physical symptoms, like eyes that are swollen, inflamed or pulled out of focus. Also, the toxins stored in your muscles get released into your liver when you exercise, so the more you exercise, the more important it is to ensure you’re eating a lot of liver-cleansing fruits and veggies*. The easiest way to keep your liver healthy is by watching what you eat. Here are some simple suggestions:

Get rid of anything that can cause stress on your liver, eg. processed foods, refined sugars, alcohol and medications (but talk to doctor first before stopping any medications)*.Eat foods that boost your liver’s functions, including: avocados, asparagus, walnuts, organic spinach, grapefruit, raw tomatoes, carrots, garlic, Brussel sprouts, onions and kale* - in fact, pretty much every type of green vegetable!

Speak to our practitioners about a healthy liver detox that could work for you.

Candida albicans is usually a harmless yeast organism that lives on the skin, in the mouth, gut, and other mucus membranes.

However, Candida causes infection when our natural ability to resist it stops, and it overgrows. You’ve probably heard of infections like ‘thrush’ or ‘monilia’ – these are caused by the overgrowth of Candida. When the delicate balance of yeasts and bacteria within the human ecosystem is disturbed, the disease – Candidiasis – can occur.

What causes Candidiasis? Many factors can lead to the imbalance of yeasts and bacteria, including: prolonged use of antibiotics, chemical exposure, poor nutrition, high-sugar diets, stress, and courses of cortisone.

Symptoms Symptoms vary greatly, and can include:

Bloating, gas, cramps, irritable bowel syndromeFatigue, anxiety, mood swings, ‘brain fog’, depression, poor memory, headaches, learning difficulties, hyperactivity Eczema, rash, acne, nail infectionsRecurrent bladder and vaginal infections, genital rashes, rectal itchingPain & swelling in joints, vague aches and pains

Candida and allergies In her book, ‘Allergies: Disease in Disguise’, Carolee Bateson-Koch explains the connections between food allergies and Candida (pg 77-79). She says:

Allergic individuals frequently have Candida overgrowth.Candida can damage the intestinal lining, causing inflammation and promoting allergies.

Food allergies commonly occur when incompletely digested food enters the body through an inflamed intestinal barrier. When harmful Candida colonies are present in the intestines, gases may be produced – these can accompany the undigested food through the inflamed intestinal barrier and into the bloodstream, encouraging allergic reactions.

To learn more about Candida and any impacts it might have on your body, talk to one of our bioresonance practitioners when you’re next in the clinic.

*Source: ‘Allergies: Disease in Disguise’, 1994, Carolee Bateson-Koch, pg 71-80

One in 20 Australians have reported gut parasites, but in reality, this number is likely to be far higher.

The probable reason these little squatters often stay undetected is that many people don’t experience the typical nausea, diarrhoea or itchy bottom that we commonly put down to parasites. Instead, they may have non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, nutrient malabsorption, weight loss, irritability, brain fog, sugar cravings, and food sensitivities. A lot of people also think that parasites can be easily seen with the naked eye by examining the stool, or by shining a torch into the anus during the night. Most parasites, however, are teeny tiny, one-celled and can only be seen under a microscope.

The infection with these organisms occurs through faecal-oral route (ie. not washing hands properly - especially an issue in schools/kindergartens), through water or food, and through pets.

The two most common single-celled parasites in Australia are called Dientamoeba fragilis and Blastocystis hominis. Diagnosis of the infection is simple, but the conventional treatment involves multiple antibiotics and even then, the likelihood of eradicating it is as low as 70%. Another big issue is that these antibiotics totally destroy beneficial gut flora, and thereby contribute to the development of leaky gut.

Bioresonance therapy offers a gentle, often effective alternative and will not disrupt the gut flora in the way traditional antibiotics do. In addition, the introduction of fermented foods, bone broths and other gut-healing measures are paramount to ensure the gut can heal itself from the parasite invasion (and prevent it from returning!).

If you know you have a parasite infection, or suspect one, come and see us today.

We associate the Christmas season with indulgence – foods high in fat, salt and mostly, SUGAR! But have you ever wondered why some people seem to crave sugary treats so much more than others? The answer partially comes down to the kind of microbes in a person’s gut, and the diet individuals have. Certain gut bacteria (like Candida) live on carbohydrates, preferentially sugar. The gut directly communicates with the brain through the enteric nervous system, so when sugar levels are low, we are basically 'told' by our gut bugs that we need a sugar hit. This in turn encourages the growth of these organisms, causing a vicious cycle. What's worse is that nutrient-low diets (ie. diets high in refined foods) also favour the development of 'virulence factors' in gut microorganisms, meaning they turn from being commensal (happy to just 'be' without being toxic) to causing damage to their host. So what to do if you are one of those sugar fiends? Your answer lies in eating fermented foods during the Christmas period. Sauerkraut, pickles and fermented chutneys ensure you are getting in some good bacteria to suppress the bad ones, and therefore reduce your cravings for sugary treats! While eating fermented foods doesn't give you a hall pass to eat sugary foods, you can at least be assured that your gut is getting some of its goodies back.Merry Christmas to all of you! And… pass me the Sauerkraut :)

Over the next month, you'll probably go to lots of parties, eat lots of food, and be tempted by platters of sweet treats. But have you ever wondered what all those sweets are doing to your body? According to naturopath Katrina Ellis, huge intakes of sugar do more harm to the human body than nearly any other substance. In fact, one teaspoon of refined sugar per day can suppress your immunity for two or three hours! Refined sugar rots your teeth, leeches calcium from your bones, and essentially destroys your insides. Too much sugar causes:

headaches and migraines;poor vision and eye problems;hyperactivity, behavioural problems, learning disorders and decreased attention span;depression, irritability, anxiety and mood swings;reduced sensitivity to insulin causing metabolism problems, weight gain and diabetes;haemorrhoids and constipation;poor release of growth hormone, stunting growth in children;and much more…

That’s why we should try to replace refined sugar with natural fruits or plant sources. These ‘natural sweeteners’ contain natural sugars that are healthier for your pancreas and most also contain healing phytonutrients to improve health and immune defences. There are many natural sweeteners to use, including: stevia, erythritol, medjool dates, lacuma, yacon syrup, rapadura sugar, coconut palm sugar, agave syrup (unprocessed), and raw honey. However, many of these options have advantages and disadvantages – and some should only be used moderately because they contain high sugar and calorie levels.Source: Katrina Ellis N.D., Raw Addiction, 2012, pg 167-170

You probably remember your parents yelling at you as a kid to eat your greens… and maybe your parents knew exactly what they were talking about! Green vegetables are an important part of a healthy diet, but you might be surprised to find out just how important they are to your body’s functions. According to the Australian Institute of Personal Trainers, there are 4 reasons to eat green vegetables:

Green leafy vegetables are full of fibre, an important nutrient for weight-loss and maintenance, as it keeps you full for longer and manages hunger.All green leafy vegetables are an excellent folate source – important for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and loss of memory. Folate is also known for its production of serotonin, so helps prevent depression and elevates your mood.Antioxidants like Vitamin C contained in green leafy vegetables reduce the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Vitamin C also helps the body make collagen, an important component of cartilage that assists in joint flexibility, reduces your risk of arthritis as well as keeping skin healthy.Some leafy green vegetables, including kale, are rich in calcium– particularly good for teeth health and lowers your risk of osteoporosis.

Healthy Eating Australia also lists another reason to put some more greens on your plate. Green vegetables contain good quantities of Chlorophyll, which:

acts as a blood detoxifier;aids in growth and repair of tissue;helps stimulate red blood cells to improve oxygen supply; andhas antimutagenic and anti-carcinogenic properties, which protect your body from toxins.

Stuck for recipe ideas using green vegetables? Add some to your morning smoothie, or click here for some recipe ideas.

You may have been wondering what all the fuss is about when it comes to Kombucha? It seems to be gaining popularity everywhere these days – at the local markets, health food stores, trendy cafes, and even supermarkets seem to be looking at stocking this wonderful drink.What is it? Kombucha is a slightly sparkling fermented black or green tea, made through the use of a “scoby” (Symbiotic Colony of Bacteria and Yeast). The scoby looks like the “mother” in Apple Cider Vinegar (the living nutrients and bacteria that you can see settled at the bottom on the bottle), but it makes a brew that tastes different. What's so good about it? The proposed health benefits of Kombucha tea are extensive, but foremost is its probiotic richness, which aids digestive health. When fermented properly (so not the store-bought variety), Kombucha is very good at fighting Candida as it contains beneficial yeasts that outcompete less-beneficial organisms. Kombucha reportedly also increases energy levels and provides a variety of B-vitamins. The detox pathway is also said to benefit from drinking Kombucha regularly.How do I learn how to make it? Sign up for our November workshop!

I get super excited when I talk about the gut, and there are many good reasons for it!

To begin with, the gut is a very unique and quirky part of us:

It is a long tube, which is technically outside the body (anything that goes in the mouth and stays undigested goes out the other end).As such, it is our first line of defense for preventing foreign substances from entering the body and around 70% of our immune system resides in there.The small intestine is around 7m long!The large intestine is one of the most fascinating places, containing around 1.5kg of "good bacteria" (or at least they are supposed to be 'good', depending on how your diet and lifestyle are going!).

Perhaps even more interesting, and little known, is what our gut actually does for us. Often we don't associate common ailments with the gut, when in fact, this piece of our "machinery" is central to most diseases in the 21st century:

Our gut is the primary way we absorb and make nutrients, which are building blocks for our bodies. If we don't have the right nutrients, we can't build our body! Disease like coeliacs, diabetes, autoimmune disease and metabolic problems begin in the gut when the intestinal barrier becomes 'leaky' due to mostly lifestyle choices.The gut influences the brain in remarkable ways, including the formation of neurotransmitters, and as such has a critical impact on anxieties, depression and other mental health states.It is thought that the gut has a direct involvement in the development of allergies.The gut impacts the energy harvested from food, and our gut bacteria can influence weight management. Poor gut health is to blame for issues like irritable bowel, bloating, wind, constipation, diarrhoea and gut pain.

Given this, it's not hard to see that perhaps there lies truth in Hippocrates' statement made over 2,000 years ago: "All disease starts in the gut". You'll probably be glad to hear that the gut can be very forgiving, and once we know how, the road towards healing is often easily travelled with a little assistance and tummy love.