Q: I am currently recovering from a cold. When my symptoms started, I began taking Echinacea, and I   found my sniffles only lasted a couple of days! Can I continue taking Echinacea to prevent another cold? Maria, QLD. 

A: I’m glad the Echinacea was such a great help! However, a 1999 review of Echinacea’s use in upper respiratory tract infections suggested that the current evidence is stronger for supporting the use of Echinacea in acute treatment and quite modest for its use in prevention. I suggest you try Astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb that is useful in enhancing the body’s immune function during convalescence. It can be taken long-term over the winter months to build up your resistance and reduce the likelihood of catching a second bout of the cold or flu. But don’t throw away the Echinacea! Keep it and some vitamin C in the medicine cabinet for the family to take at the first signs of a cold.

Q: I know there are a few herbs that help boost breast milk production. Is one better than another? Chantelle, VIC. 

A: The main herbs used to boost breast milk production are Blessed Thistle, Fenugreek and Asparagus racemosa root. All are equally good in this regard, so your choice comes down to which of their other properties would be most beneficial. For example, Blessed Thistle is a gentle liver tonic that, due to its bitter action, may also stimulate the appetite of a baby who is a poor feeder. Fenugreek is an expectorant that can help relieve excess mucus and coughs, so might help if you have a cold or flu. Asparagus helps with minor menstrual irregularities and lightens bleeding, so may be the best choice if your period tends to be heavy or painful.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

According to a study by the Centre for Culinary Development (CCD), snacks are increasingly becoming time-savvy meal replacements, instead of the between-meal or after-work options they once were.

“Snacks are less and less the hunger soothing bridge between formal meals,” says CCD CEO Kimberley Egan. “They have become valuable gastronomical events in their own right.”
The good news is, snacking is now more acceptable than ever. The bad news? Some popular snack choices might actually be doing you more harm than good.

Research by Australian consumer magazine Choice has revealed only a handful of the hundreds of snack bars marketed as ‘healthy’ actually contain any real nutritional value. In fact, many were found to be loaded with high levels of sugar, salt and saturated fats, with one popular yoghurt and nut bar delivering even more kilojoules than a Mars Bar.

Further, most of the ‘fruit’ ingredients promoted in health bars come from a laboratory instead of an orchard, and so contain none of the beneficial nutrients found in real fruit.

For snacks to be a legitimate hunger bridge between meals, the CSIRO says they need to add to your daily nutritional requirements of fibre, calcium, vitamins or protein. It also suggests packaged options should be less than 600 kilojoules per serve.

SMART SNACKING:

*Elizabeth Yarwood is a degree qualified nutritionist who is passionate about using diet and nutrition to improve quality of life.

You’re probably already taking care of your health by making sure to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet, tossing a couple of cloves of garlic in your stir-fries, and making sure you get enough sleep. If you’re not already, it’s also a good idea to take herbal medicines that naturally promote immunity and help your body fight viruses and other infectious organisms.

While you’re at it, think about herbs to support your nervous system too. Why the nervous system? Psychological stress and the way your body reacts to it are intimately related to your immunity.

In particular, your stress levels influence your likelihood of becoming sick when you’re exposed to viruses that cause colds and flu, and if you do get sick, they also contribute to the severity of your symptoms. This is illustrated by a clinical study in which researchers measured the stress levels of 394 people before exposing them to one of five respiratory viruses. Afterwards, tests showed that the likelihood of contracting the virus (as shown by antibody reactions in the bloodstream) increased according to how stressed the participants were; people who had low stress levels had a 74 per cent chance of being infected by the virus, while those who with high stress levels became infected 90 per cent of the time.

Bearing in mind that we don’t come down with a cold every time we encounter a virus, it’s perhaps even more important that in this study, once they were infected, people with high stress levels were also significantly more likely to develop cold symptoms than those with low stress levels. These results support those from another study, which found that people with higher levels of stress experience more severe flu symptoms (including increased mucus production) than people with less stress. During times of acute (short-term) stress, the immune system – like the body’s other defences against danger – tends to be activated, ready to swing into action.

Chronic stress (continuing for longer than a month) has the reverse effect, dampening the activity of key components of the immune system. It’s logical therefore that the types of stress that have the greatest impact on your resistance are those that persist over long periods (such as family difficulties, caring for a sick family member, ongoing work problems, or unemployment). And unfortunately, the longer the stressful situation continues, the more likely you are to get sick.

Herbs to support immunity

Herbalists and naturopaths traditionally take a holistic approach to building resistance to infection, combining herbs with three different actions: adaptogens, immune tonics and antimicrobials.

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to physical and/or emotional stress and return to a normal state of balance. Their use in strengthening immunity is validated by data showing that an individual’s resistance to respiratory infections like colds and flu is correlated with their levels of the stress hormone cortisol, one of the key markers of the body’s stress levels (and responsible for many of the physical symptoms we associate with ongoing stress).

Rhodiola: The herb Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) has only become available in Australia relatively recently, but has an extensive tradition of use in Europe. In clinical trials, it has been shown to relieve a range of stressrelated problems, including fatigue, anxiety, low mood and poor attention span. It has also been shown to reduce cortisol release in patients who are suffering stress burnout, so may be a particularly useful choice if you’re going through a stressful time and are keen to support your immune system while also boosting your energy levels and improving your ability to cope.

Withania: Like Rhodiola, the herb Withania is considered an adaptogen and has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine to help the body cope with stress. In animal studies, that stress-coping effect has also been shown to improve immune function, increasing the numbers of certain immune cells, and promoting the activity of others. More recently, Indian researchers measured the changes in key immune cells before and after healthy participants consumed two doses of Withania a day for four days, and demonstrated increased activation of the immune system. Research also suggests that, like Rhodiola, Withania may help to reduce plasma cortisol levels, and therefore may help to offset many of the negative effects of chronic stress, perhaps including reduced resistance to infection.

Immune tonics

Around the world, different herbs have traditionally been used to support the body’s defences and build resistance to infection. Many are taken at low doses as preventive remedies, and then increased to higher doses if infections take hold. In general, these herbs tend to be most effective when treatment is started as quickly as possible after the onset of symptoms.

Andrographis: Native to Asia, Andrographis has been traditionally used to rid the body of heat, as in fevers and to dispel toxins from the body. Laboratory studies indicating that the herb stimulates immune function via a number of different mechanisms are supported by clinical studies that show it can provide relief from many of the typical symptoms of colds, such as sore throats, runny nose, sinus pain, fatigue, fever, mucus production and headaches. When taken at the first sign of symptoms, it has also been shown to aid faster recovery from colds.

Echinacea: The North American herb Echinacea stimulates the immune system via a number of different mechanisms, many of which have been well documented. For example, it has been shown to promote phagocytosis (the process by which immune cells engulf and destroy invading organisms), and is also known to boost the numbers of key types of immune cells and stimulate the activity of others. Numerous studies also indicate that Echinacea is an effective treatment for upper respiratory tract infections, and as with Andrographis, the effects appear to be most pronounced when taken as quickly as possible after the symptoms appear.

Olive leaf: Echinacea and Andrographis are often taken in combination with olive leaf, an antioxidant-rich remedy that (amongst other uses) has traditionally been used to stimulate immunity and treat infections.

Cat’s Claw and Astragalus: Other herbs prescribed to boost immune function include the Amazonian vine Cat’s Claw, and the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus. The traditional reputation of both these herbs is supported by laboratory studies confirming their immunomodulating activity.

Antimicrobials

Herbs that fight infection provide valuable support to immune and nervous system supporting remedies, and may help you over-come infection more quickly if you get sick.

Golden Seal: Golden Seal is traditionally indicated as a tonic for the mucous membranes (including those of the throat, nose and sinuses). Today, many herbalists consider it to be the most important of all antimicrobial remedies because the herb (and isolated alkaloids from it, especially berberine) has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and parasites, leading to its use in a wide range of infective conditions. In laboratory studies, Golden Seal also exhibits a number of immune-modulating activities.

Pau D’Arco: Fungal infections such as Candida are notoriously difficult to overcome, especially as the organisms involved have a tendency to develop resistance to the pharmaceutical drugs used to treat them. When treating fungal conditions with herbs, it pays to use a remedy that’s specifically indicated for the purpose. Probably the best choice is Pau D’Arco, a herbal medicine from South America, where it has traditionally been used to treat both bacterial and fungal infections (as well as for other health disorders) and has also demonstrated antifungal activity in laboratory studies. Pau D’Arco is available in both the traditional tea (decoction) form, and as an easy-to-swallow capsule.

Case Study

Susan had been suffering from recurrent thrush on a monthly basis when she first consulted a natural health practitioner. Further investigation revealed that she had been taking the oral contraceptive pill for years and averaged four courses a year of antibiotics for minor infections such as sinusitis and tonsillitis. She worked full time and was always on the go. Her diet was adequate but could be improved, particularly as she was rather partial to a regular glass or two of wine to relieve her stress.

Susan decided to discontinue the oral contraceptive pill and was prescribed a course of herbs to rebalance her hormone levels. Once her cycle was regular, it was time to address the issue of frequent thrush episodes. A fi nger prick blood test confirmed the presence of candida albicans. Her natural health practitioner began to treat this with the herb Pau D’Arco at 3,000 mg per day, and placed Susan on an anti-candida diet eliminating all foods containing yeast and sugar for a period of two weeks and gradually reintroducing some of these foods. Susan focused on a maintenance diet of foods which have minimal or low sugar content such as fresh fruit and vegetables, wholegrain breads and pastas. She also included probiotic supplements daily to help rebalance the micro-organisms in her gut.

As the candida symptoms improved Susan was treated with immune boosting herbs such as garlic and golden seal to boost her immune system and reduce the chances of her developing sinusitis or tonsillitis in the future. This eliminated the need to take antibiotics which made her body susceptible to candida in the first place.

Susan continues to follow the maintenance diet and drinks only the occasional glass of wine and says she feels much healthier and best of all has not experienced any thrush or sinusitis since.

Tips for controlling the spread of infection

1. Wash hands regularly – even when they aren’t visibly dirty – with soap and water or with an alcohol-based product that does not require water.

Always wash your hands:

• after you’ve been to the toilet
• after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose
• after being in contact with someone who has a cold or flu
• before touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• before preparing food and eating

2. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough.

When you cough or sneeze you should:

• turn away from other people
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue
• use disposable tissues rather than a handkerchief (which can store the virus)
• put used tissues into the nearest bin

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

Hair is very significant to the appearance for men and women. It is a normal process to shed 50-100 hairs daily, when shampooing and brushing the hair. For whatever reason if the hair loss is bigger and persists for long time, you should be worried and look for possible causes. Hair loss, occasional or chronic and the progressive thinning and ageing of the hair is a common male most cases the process is reversible, apart from cases of genetic tendency and serious illness. For a treatment to be successful it has to positively affect all the factors, which stimulate hair growth, to support, to restore and protect the hair from the root and along entire shaft.

Hereditary hair loss or Androgenetic Alopecia

Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia or hereditary hair loss) is caused primarily due to the impact that androgens have on the hair follicles. There is a genetic predisposition for this particular category of hair loss to take place which could also be expressed at a very young age. Not only is it the main cause of androgenetic alopecia as it accounts 50-70% of all cases, but it also responsible for 40-50% of all female hair loss. The main factor that affects hair loss is the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The hair follicles at the top of the head are particularly sensitive to the effect of this hormone. DHT shortens the hair growth cycle reducing the follicle size thus leading to shedding of hair.

In males, hair loss happens in following time frames that are interrupted by remission phases. The hair becomes more and more thin and short and is finally changed into indiscernible fuzz with distinct signs of balding especially at the top of the head. The sooner the hair loss begins, the faster the process becomes. In females, hair loss occurs in seasonal spurts and follows a slow process. The hair becomes thin and dull and fall out in a diffuse manner all over the top of the head at first broadening the parting. In succession a true alopecia is observed and it ceases just about 1 cm away from the hairline.

Other types of Hair loss

Non-hereditary hair loss occurs mostly in women and is predominately caused by hormonal disorders (pregnancy, menopause) by uncommonly stressful situations and overtiredness by “crazy” unhealthy diet or malnutrition (low vitamin, protein and trace mineral intake) by mechanical damage (repeated shampooing with “tough” shampoos, blow drying, excessive combing, hair bands) or chemical damage (hair coloring hair perms). Other factors that intensify the condition are the excessive sebum secretion, the intense dehydration of the scalp, UV radiation, pollution and environmental conditions (drought, wind). Finally there are cases of hair loss that are directly related to numerous conditions and the use of specific drugs. These cases are referred to as pathogenic hair loss and need the medical assist of a dermatologist.

Nutrition: Proper hair nourishment and invigoration

Your daily diet affects the healthy form and the quality of your hair. The everyday intake of nutrients that are implicated in the appropriate growth of the hair is requirement that must be met through our regular diet.

One of the key factors of hair loss is a diet rich in fat. The combination of a diet low in fat and the intake of food rich in protein (lecithin, wheat germ oil, brewer’s yeast), amino acids that are involved in the formation of hair’s keratin, minerals and trace elements that are involved in the development of hair (silica, zinc).

Hair loss natural treatment

Generally, anxiety, stress and extreme exhaustion are all factors that affect good health of the hair and their growth. Keep in mind that a healthy life style, resting, a good night’s sleep, stress management and regular eating habits can indisputably contribute to healthy hair growth.

Aromatherapy is one of the natural therapies that can also be beneficial to hair wellness. Shampoos and solution with the appropriate essential oils are used to combat safely baldness and promote hair regrowing. They have antibacterial, tonic and antiseptic attributes and aid good condition of scalp. Thyme, Rosemary, Lavender, Jojoba and Cedarwood oil are considered by dermatologists as the most effective essential oils that can naturally treat hair loss and improve hair health.

Throughout history, human beings have always tried to slow down the process of getting old and conceal the signs of aging. Definitely, it would be lovely to stay young for the rest of our lives, to look strong and healthy. But, is this possible or just an infeasible dream?

New scientific researches and experiments have confirmed that with the advance of bio-technology and genetic science a healthy life that extends to 120 years is a high probability in this century. However the extension of life span would be reality only for the ones that could afford the high expenditure.

Unlike genetic methods and diseased organs replacements which cost a lot, there are many other methods that helps in improving and maintaining a good quality of life and concerned with diet habits and lifestyle activities. Here we will cover some useful and natural tips in order to look younger and stay healthy.

Nutrition habits

Probably one of the most useful strategies in order to fight the negative effects of aging is to have a proper diet. Try to avoid food that content 30% fat or higher. Eat olive oil and eliminate saturated fat (butter, bacon etc). Fat intake is associated with weight gain, which is a major cause to grow up sooner. Contrarily, eating raw fruits and vegetable contributes to slowing the aging process to some extent. Garlic, Avocado, Carrot, Citrus, Onion, Spinach are some of the best preservers of youth.

8 cups of water or other liquids

Frequent drinks of “good” water are very helpful and refreshing. “Good” water considered the filtered water full of magnesium, because it lowers blood pressure and improves circulation. Furthermore, fruit and vegetable juices and herbal teas can be used in order to satisfy the “8 cups” rule.

Keep Fit

Take as much exercise as you can. People who exercise regularly, not even improve their physical appearance and delay many of the outwards signs of old age, but their life can be prolonged. Swimming, running and yoga are excellent anti-ageing exercises.

Holistic Anti-Aging Treatments

According to holistic medicine gurus, body, spirit and mind balance have great impact on our state of health and wellness. They recommend alternative techniques in order to achieve wellbeing and delay the actual aging process. Holistic Massage, Oxygen Therapy (increased supply of oxygen to the lungs and therefore much more oxygen to the body tissues) and Aromatherapy (use of Essential Oils for healing and soothing purposes) are some of the alternative natural methods that can diminish the more visible signs of ageing and offer you a more youthful appearance.

Lifestyle tips

Balance your activities with the proper amount of rest and sleep. Stay calm and avoid stressful situations. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption and sun exposure are unwholesome habits that keep people from being healthy, looking younger and feeling healthier and more alive. Think positive. See the glass as half-full, not half-empty and live in an attitude of optimism, forgiveness and gratefulness.

Just remember that getting older does not mean you have to look like it. Go natural!

A. Your body has more than 100 circadian rhythms and each 24-hour cycle influences an aspect of your body’s function, including body temperature, hormone levels, heart rate, blood pressure and pain threshold. A circadian rhythm is roughly a 24-hour cycle in the physiological processes of plants and animals, etc., and partly depends on external factors such as sunlight and temperature.

Circadian rhythms are important in determining the sleeping and feeding patterns of all animals, including humans. There are clear patterns of brain wave activity, hormone production, cell regeneration and other biological activities linked to this daily cycle.

Many travellers have experienced the condition known as jet lag, exhibiting symptoms of fatigue, disorientation and insomnia. When a person travels rapidly across multiple time zones, the circadian rhythms do not shift at the same rates or in a synchronized manner. This results in poor synchronicity among various body functions and rhythms, resulting in ”jet lag.”

Re-synchronization takes place over a number of days, depending upon the number of Trans-meridian time zones crossed, but generally takes place more quickly after travelling in a westward direction than in an eastward direction. Exposure to afternoon light after a westward flight speeds up re-synchronization and exposure to early morning sunlight speeds up re-synchronization after an eastward flight.

The time of departure and arrival do not have much influence on the circadian rhythms, but the amount of sleep you get while on the plane and directly after arrival does matter. If you sleep poorly on the flight, the sleep deprivation contributes strongly to the disorientation and fatigue associated with jet lag.

Because of the increased air pressure while travelling on board a pressurized aircraft, alcohol can have an adverse diuretic effect on your body. Coffee and tea also can have this effect to a smaller degree.

The pressurized air in the aircraft is already devoid of moisture, requiring your body to compensate for this lack, but with increased urination, the problem gets worse, causing extra dehydration.

Keep your food intake moderately light and drink plenty of water during the trip instead of alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated fizzy drinks. Carbonated drinks can make you feel bloated and may also cause stomach upset. If you do feel bloated and uncomfortable Chamomile tea may benefit.

Some herbs that can help balance jet lag symptoms and boost the immune system are Ginseng, Reishi, Astragalus and Schizandra.

Ginseng in particular has been used in easing the effects of jet lag. Only a small shaving a day is necessary to boost the immune system, but increased dosage would be needed before and during travel.