GHS Natural Health Blog

While overjoyed at being pregnant, many mothers-to-be are searching for safe and effective natural solutions to common pregnancy discomforts.
 
Early pregnancy
 
Morning sickness is often one of the first symptoms of pregnancy, and taking Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in the first trimester of pregnancy can often relieve this discomfort. Sip it as a tea or take it in capsule form to get you through this difficult stage. Expectant mothers also report feeling excessively tired during the early weeks of pregnancy. Unfortunately the options are limited, except to rest whenever possible. Spirulina (Spirulina species), a plant algae that is considered safe to take in pregnancy, contains a rich source of nutrients that can help to increase energy. Alternatively, take a liquid tonic based on the herb Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), as this will help give strength to a stressed body, as is the case during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
 
Last trimester
 
Heartburn and acid reflux commonly occur in the later stages of pregnancy. This is due to the hormone progesterone relaxing the valve at the top of the stomach, causing a small amount of stomach acid, sometimes with partially digested food, to surge upwards into the oesophagus. Eating small meals more frequently will prevent your stomach becoming overfull and pushing up under your diaphragm. When possible, eat your main meal at lunchtime and your evening meal early in the evening so that your body has time to digest your food before you go to bed. Avoid spicy, rich, fatty and fried foods or anything else that triggers symptoms. Sugar, tea, coffee and certain food additives may also exacerbate heartburn. The herbal remedy, Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), can help relieve heartburn during pregnancy. Preparing your body for the birth is also important. Raspberry Leaf (Rubus idaeus) has a long tradition of use and is again growing in popularity for its ability to tone and strengthen the muscles of the uterus in the last trimester of pregnancy. Raspberry Leaf should never be taken in the first or second trimester due to its stimulating effect on the uterus. A study undertaken by midwives at Westmead Hospital in Sydney in 2000 demonstrated the safety of Raspberry Leaf (2.4 g daily) taken from 32 weeks until the commencement of labour. The study identified no side effects for mother or baby, and also suggested that Raspberry Leaf reduced the incidence of artificial rupture of membranes, forceps and ventouse births.
 
Stretch marks
 
This unpopular consequence of pregnancy develops as a result of the skin being excessively stretched. While there is no foolproof method for preventing stretch marks, massaging your expanding belly with pregnancy body oils can greatly reduce the likelihood of their occurrence. Eating a well-balanced, healthy diet rich in nutrients such as phytochemicals, essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals is thought to help maintain strong and healthy skin, and may also help prevent stretch marks. Vitamins A, C and E and the minerals zinc and silica in particular may assist in the formation of collagen, helping to make your skin more elastic so it can stretch better and bounce back quicker after the birth.

*Recent research has linked stretch mark formation to ‘glucocorticoids’. The most common glucocorticoid is cortisol, which your body releases when it is under stress. So aim to reduce stress as much as possible. Magnesium and vitamin B complex are good anti-stress nutrients.
 
Breastfeeding
 
Although there is no argument that ‘breast is best’, in reality it is not always possible to produce sufficient milk. However a herb that may provide a simple and natural solution is Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus), traditionally used since the 1500s to boost maternal milk production. This bitter liver herb, a reputed ‘heal-all’, can also stimulate a weak appetite, therefore having a positive effect via mother’s milk on babies who are poor feeders. If you are breastfeeding, remember to drink lots of fluids (at least two litres of filtered water daily) and eat plenty of wholegrains, cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables, and foods that provide plenty of protein, calcium and iron. Eat nutritious snacks such as yoghurt, wholegrain sandwiches with tinned salmon, tuna or cheese, veggie sticks with hummus dip or fresh seasonal fruit. When the time is right for both you and your baby, the herb Sage (Salvia officinalis) is great for weaning. Sage has the ability to control excess glandular secretions. For most people this means drying up excessive sweat, but sage is equally as effective in drying up breast milk. Start by taking 400-500 mg with a meal twice daily for a week. If your breasts still feel sore and engorged, you can increase the dosage to up to 2.0 g daily. If you have been gradually reducing your feeds you should not experience this kind of discomfort. Always discuss with your healthcare professional the suitability of taking any herbs or supplements when pregnant or breastfeeding.

As the weather warms up, pollen levels increase and this can prove agonising for asthma sufferers.
 
Asthma has been on the rise in Australia for many years and, according to Asthma Australia, we have the dubious honour of being one of the world’s asthma hot spots. With about 10 per cent of Australians being affected by the condition and around 20 per cent of children having an attack at some stage, asthma ranks among the top ten reasons for visiting a doctor.
 
What causes asthma?
 
Asthma is a disorder that affects the airways in the lungs, and is caused by sensitivity to various allergens or irritants. The smooth muscles in the lining of the airways react to these allergens by swelling and producing greater amounts of sticky mucus. As the airways begin to tighten, it becomes harder for air to get through to the lungs. Symptoms of asthma include tightness in the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath and a dry, irritating cough that becomes worse after physical activity.

There are two main types of asthma: allergic and non allergic. Two thirds of asthma sufferers have the allergic type, which is often worse during spring and summer. Allergens can include dust mites, cigarette smoke, pollens, grass clippings, animal dander, mould spores and certain foods or food additives. The non allergic type is triggered by a variety of factors, including exercise, changes in weather, emotional upsets and viral or bacterial infections.
 
Asthma and diet
 
Diet is incredibly important for asthmatics, who should consume a healthy, whole-foods diet based on lean proteins, grains, fruits and vegetables. Large amounts of saturated and animal fats should be avoided, as should dairy products that tend to increase the production of mucus. Recent research suggests that Western diets may be linked to asthmatic and allergic reactions in children, and a diet high in polyunsaturated fats (such as margarine, fried foods, omega-6 fatty acids) has been shown to double the risk of asthma. Vegan and vegetarian diets have shown benefit in some asthmatics, possibly due to the elimination of allergens and/or altered fatty-acid metabolism. A clinical trial demonstrated that a vegan diet improved symptoms of asthma in 92 per cent of participants after one year.1

Many asthmatics react to additives found in processed food, so minimising the consumption of the following food additives may be helpful:

• Preservatives (31–312, 317–320) found in margarine, dairy spreads and cooking oils.
• Benzoates (210–213) found in cordials, fruit drinks, soft drinks and dessert toppings.
• Colourings (102, 123) found in lollies, cake mix, jelly and cordial.
• MSG (621) found in instant noodles, chips, rice crackers, stock and gravy.
• Sulphur dioxide and sulphites (220, 221–225, 228) found in dried fruit, fruit juices, soft drinks and jam.

Some asthma sufferers may also have an intolerance to salicylates. These are naturally occurring chemicals found in plants. Foods with the highest levels of salicylates include grapes, sultanas, berries, oranges, tomatoes and pineapples. (See our article on low additive foods on page 11 of this issue).
 
Asthma and fatty acids
 
Low intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may also contribute to the occurrence of asthma, since the ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids has been shown to be low in asthma sufferers. Supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may be useful in relieving asthma symptoms, although not all studies have shown beneficial effects. Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Essential fatty acids also help to maintain the integrity of the cell walls that help to fight invading viruses, bacteria and allergens.
 
Herbs for respiratory health
 
Herbal treatment of asthma involves the use of anticatarrhal herbs. These help the lungs eliminate phlegm, a process known as expectoration. Other herbs can be used to soothe and support this process. Some herbs have antispasmodic qualities which ease the spasm response in the muscles of the lungs, and antimicrobials are useful in preventing secondary infections. Herbs that calm the nervous system are also useful for alleviating the stress-related aspects of asthma. The following are herbs that may be helpful for respiratory allergies:
 
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is an antispasmodic herb. It tones and soothes the mucous membranes, reduces inflammation and encourages healthy fluid production in the lungs. By encouraging mucus production, Mullein protects the membranes from absorbing allergens and encourages expectoration.
 
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) seed powder soothes irritated airways and membranes, and is excellent for conditions involving excess mucus or phlegm. Fenugreek seeds contain saponins, which have dissolving and loosening properties. This may explain why they have been used to dissolve thick or hardened mucus and aid in its expulsion from the body.
 
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is an aromatic herb, especially useful for stimulating the digestive process. It has a long history of use in helping to overcome colic, gas and other digestive disturbances. Fennel appears to stimulate the lungs to eliminate phlegm, and historically, it has been used in cases of persistent coughs.
 
Horseradish (Armoracia rusticana) is a pungent, heating aromatic along the same lines as capsicum and ginger. It also appears to have a strong stimulating effect on the respiratory membranes, encouraging them to expel mucus.
 
Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) contains chemicals that help inhibit the release of histamines from mast cells – the cells that respond to allergies and help defend against pathogens.
 
Nutritional support
 
Bromelain, an enzyme found in pineapple, has been shown in laboratory tests to reduce the body’s inflammatory response.
 
Quercetin, a compound found in garlic and onion, has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activity. It also inhibits the release of histamine (a protein released in an allergic response) and the hormone leukotriene. These compounds cause blood vessels to narrow and airways to constrict during asthma attacks.
 
Minimising exposure to allergens
 
As asthma is a potentially serious condition, never discontinue conventional asthma medications, such as Ventolin, without consulting your healthcare provider. Herbs, nutritional supplements and diet can greatly assist the management of asthma. See table for additional measures that will contribute to the success of these remedies.
 
Extra measures to manage allergens
 
Air filters help to eliminate many common airborne allergens including pollen, mites, mould, animal dander and dust. Make sure you clean or replace air-conditioning and heating-system filters regularly so you are not recycling dust through your home. Consider installing a negative-ion generator at home as this may help to reduce airborne allergens. Breastfeeding has been shown to help build up the natural immunities that prevent children from developing allergies. Breathing methods, such as Buteyko, are showing potential in asthma management. Clinical trials have shown that yoga greatly reduces the need for asthma medications (when using specific poses and practiced for at least 65 minutes twice a week for at least 1 year). Some studies are demonstrating hypnotherapy may be useful for alleviating asthma and allergy.

For centuries, people have enhanced their foods with various flavorings, preservatives, and dyes. But some ingredients on today’s food labels can be downright scary. Few foods reach today’s supermarkets free of additives – substances that do not occur naturally in a food but are added for various reasons. These include preservatives to prevent spoilage; emulsifiers to prevent water and fat from separating; thickeners; vitamins and minerals (either to replace nutrients lost in processing or to increase nutritional value); sweeteners (both natural and artificial), salt, flavorings to improve taste; and dyes to make everything from candies to soft drinks more visually appealing.

In all, North American food processors may use any of about 2,800 additives. Although many people question the safety of these additives, the fact is that their use is governed by stringent regulations. Authorities require extensive studies before an additive is allowed on the market. In spite of this, rare reactions to certain additives are possible. The appropriate use of additives, though, allows us to enjoy history’s safest and most abundant assortment of foods.

Some 10,000 substances make their way into food during growing, processing, and packaging; some of these accidental additives can pose more of a health threat than preservatives and other direct additives. Some foods, for example, contain traces of pesticides sprayed on crops or applied to the soil. Environmental pollutants in foods, such as PCBs, mercury, and lead, are harmful when ingested in large quantities.

Sometimes allergic reactions that are blamed on foods or intentional additives are actually triggered by an unintended one. For example, a person who has never had a food allergy may inexplicably develop a rash after drinking milk. The resulting small amounts of penicillin in the milk would not be harmful for most people, only to those who are allergic to the drug.

Reference: John A. Robert