Acid - Alkaline FoodsThe many biochemical processes that the human body carries out to sustain life, require delicate and specific pH parameters. A situation of acidity in the body (Acidosis) or alkalinity (alkalosis), disrupts normal functioning and leads to ill health, disease and when extreme will potentially cause death.
The body self regulates its pH balance in numerous ways and it is usually not of any concern. Although if the body is subjected to an extreme load of either acid or alkaline producing foods, attention must be paid to rectify the situation. It is important to remember that stress is a major cause of ill health within the body and trusting our truly amazing ability to survive, maintain health and prosper as an innate reality will allow peace of mind whilst we calmly embrace our body and assist it in health consciousness. To balance your pH substitute acidic ash forming foods for alkaline or vice versa. Decrease intake of one and increase intake of the other for a short time and then and go back to eating a variety of foods from all food groups in moderation. It is not the acidity or alkalinity of the foods in themselves that determines their effects in the body. It is the result of their digestion, metabolism and the resulting ash residue that determines a food’s pH in this sense. The most common and detrimental imbalance in our modern diets is excess acidity. The simplest way to correct this is to consume mostly vegetables and alkaline carbohydrates such as millet. By increasing vegetable intake and it becoming a major part of the diet for two weeks the body can relieve itself of its acidic overload. A normal diet can then be resumed that includes meats, legumes, grains, fruits, nuts, seeds and lots of vegetables. For a more detailed reference the table below lists common foods and which side of the acid/alkaline spectrum that they occupy.
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 The human body is an absolutely amazing chemical laboratory that ticks away with its own internal rhythms and beautifully choreographed symphony of delicate processes that create the physical structure, biochemical function and energetic vitality that is Life. The fact that our food and beverages not only sustain life but create the very fabric of the body we live in, demands our attention. When our conscious awareness is drawn to the underlying reality that what we eat is more than just a daily experience, we delve into the confusing world of nutritional science. In 1952 the Swiss Dr Verlag A Vogel had this to say in his book The Nature Doctor: “It is difficult to feed ourselves and families along scientific lines and even experts in nutrition would find it problematic. Each year new discoveries are made in the realm of nutrition. In order to eat so that the body obtains all the nutrients, vitamins minerals and trace elements for adequate nutrition what should we eat? ” (Vogel, 1952). He goes on to simplify the situation by looking to nature and his words are true to this day. “This planet has provided all the foods we need to survive. Including all known and unknown nutrients essential for life. Eating these in the right proportions will fulfil all of our body’s requirements” (Vogel, 1952). Seasonal eating Enjoying the benefits of Fresh Food that is full of Vital Life Force Energy. Winter 2015 Whilst winter is fast giving way to spring in our southern hemisphere, the last of our winter vegetable crops is being harvested and we continue to enjoy the hearty health benefits that these simple nutritious foods bring. To give some examples, the following essential nutrients are found in these common winter vegetables. Leeks contain potassium, calcium, phosphorus and silicon minerals as well as B vitamins, chlorine sulphur and Vitamin C. These nutrients improve hair growth, bone health, digestion, nervous system function, support metabolism and cleanse the blood and lymphatic systems (Koch, 1984). Carrots contain Vitamin A for healthy mucous membranes, eyes and the immune system and Vitamin E an antioxidant. Also the minerals calcium, phosphorus and magnesium for bone strength and a healthy nervous system. And chlorine and sulphur for blood cleansing and liver detoxification (Koch, 1984). Radishes are good sources of silicon for healthy hair, skin, nails and teeth. Vitamin C sulphur and chlorine are constituents of radishes. Chlorine increases the digestion of protein foods, cleanses the respiratory system, removes excess mucous from the body, enhances immunity and prevents nervous exhaustion and mental fatigue (Koch, 1984). Chlorine may sound like an unhealthy toxic compound that is associated with town water supplies and unnatural elements. Chlorine as a free molecule is a gas and is poisonous. It readily binds to minerals and when bound to sodium or potassium, as it is in vegetables, it becomes chloride and is a safe and stable element (Koch, 1984). It is actually a component of table salt and is a vital mineral needed by the body. Chloride is used by the body to maintain extracellular fluid and pH balance, between cells. It is also needed for stomach acid production, transmission of nerve impulses and activation of one of the carbohydrate breakdown enzymes - amylase. These are all important bodily functions. The key here is the form of chloride and the micro amounts, such as those found in vegetables. The Australian recommended daily allowance (RDA) to sustain life is 750mg (Osiecke, 2014). Onions contain fabulous antiseptic oils, silicon, vitamin E and minimal amounts of potassium, phosphorous and nickel. One of nickel’s benefits is its assistance in sugar utilization within the body (Koch, 1984). Nickel is needed in only very trace amounts to fulfill its function. Garlic has a high sulphur content which provides the body with the means of lymphatic, blood and liver detoxification. Consuming this bulb improves immunity and clears the respiratory pathways as well as being a natural antibiotic. It also increases the body’s removal of excessive mucous secretions which are produced when we are eating large amounts of refined foods or dairy products, exposed to environmental pollutants or at the onset of a cold (Koch, 1984). Beetroot is the best vegetable source of manganese a mineral which boosts memory. It also has a high magnesium content for providing brain and nervous system health benefits as well as some sodium and potassium which are vital for body fluid regulation (Koch, 1984). Manganese - some 80 to 90% of this mineral is lost in processing methods which equates to 40% of the population potentially being deficient in this mineral. It has antioxidant properties and multiple chemical reactions within the body require it. Some of its functions include: nerve conduction; blood clotting; bone formation; metabolism; digestion; mitochondrial integrity; cellular formation and neurotransmitter production (Osiecke, 2014). A deficiency in this mineral affects the body’s ability to function in many areas. This is the reality and necessity of good nutrition which is simply provided by whole foods such as the humble beetroot. Phosphorus another less known mineral is required by the body for bone growth, ok not so interesting but what about, energy production and activation of most B vitamins and muscle contraction and is a component of cell walls and DNA. Pretty useful mineral. It also buffers the fluids with in cells providing a measure of relief from the effects of excessive antacid, and coffee intake. The RDA of phosphorus is 800mg. A wealth of nutrients for optimal function of all body processes is contained in these humble vegetables. Easy to prepare, Natural Health Care. ©ShairinFarrellAugust2015 'Let Food be your Medicine and Medicine be your Food' – Hippocrates c.400BC  Koch, M. (1984). Laugh with Health. The complete illustrated guide to health, diet, nutrition, natural foods and recipe preparation. Bairnsdale: Renaissance & New Age Creations.
Osiecke, H. (2014). The Nutrient Bible. 9th ed. Eagle Farm: AG Publishing. Popeye Photography. (2015). Images by Rua SMITH. Vogel, Dr. H. C. A. (1952). The Nature Doctor. A manual of traditional and complementary medicine. Melbourne: Bookman Press The term Naturopathy was first coined by Dr John Scheel of New York in 1895.
Its body of knowledge derives from the rich heritage of writings and practices from western and non western nature doctors since Hippocrates c.400BC. Hippocrates looked for the cause of diseases, in the patients' relationships with air, water and food, not just at the disease effect (Micozzi, 2011). Conventional medicine cites Hippocrates as the father of modern medicine, although rejects his belief in vitalism and instead focuses on the assertion that doctors should 'take the art of healing out of natures hands'. Whilst this is essential when a life threatening disease, illness or traumatic injury has occurred, in more every day or ongoing circumstances the natural healing mechanisms of the body may be encouraged by assisting them to return to their most healthful homeostasis. A cut or wound will heal itself naturally over time and science documents the extraordinary mechanisms of the body that exist in cells, structures and physiology that it relies on to maintain its own life. This vital action, vitalism or vital life force within the body is recognised by Naturopathy and endeavours are made to assist the body to heal itself by nurturing natural structure and function processes. In a moment of inspiration recently I wrote on the subject of vitalism that... “Vitalism doesn’t describe something other than what is. It describes the synergy of action within a living organism. It is the very function of the organism as a whole. The activity of interrelated systems, that combines to animate matter. It is another word for Life, the life force, the positive balance of energy that is used and produced when cells are alive. Life = vitality and vitality = life. In fact Vitality is vital to life“ (Shairin,2015). So assisting the vital force of the body, as is done by Naturopaths, is the very act of working with the cells and whole system to propagate, nurture and maintain the positive energy balance that ensures the continuation of life and the vitality of the body. Benedict Lust Purchased the name Naturopathy, also known as Nature Cure, in 1902. He described it as “both a way of life and a concept of healing that used various natural means selected from various systems and disciplines of treating human infirmities and disease states” (Micozzi, 2011). Benedict published a monthly journal and promoted a new way of thinking of health care. In the editorial of the first journal, titled The Naturopathic and Herald of Health, he wrote: “We believe in strong pure beautiful bodies … of radiating health. We want every man woman and child in this great land to know and embody and feel the truths of right living that mean conscious mastery” (Micozzi, 2011). Micozzi, M. (2011). Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine. Missouri: Suanders Elsevier Vitamins and Minerals are found in foods and many of them we get enough of when we eat a balanced and varied diet. They are not optional they are ESSENTIAL for Human biological function because the body cannot make them within itself. They act as structural elements, cofactors and coenzymes in many molecules and biochemical reactions. The reason we eat is because we need these molecules to live. A balanced and varied diet is the right amounts of Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats (the Macronutrients), Water and the Micronutrients – Vitamins and Minerals gained from eating all different kinds of foods daily. These days we have a huge range of vitamin and mineral products that we can choose to supplement our diet with. They aren’t the same as getting nutrients from your food, they are processed products. Not meant to replace foods but as a supplement to your diet (daily food intake) when your body is not getting enough or when it needs more. That is why they often have that on the label and why some people scoff at the very notion of taking supplements. The balanced perspective is that Vitamins and Minerals are essential to human life and deficiencies or low levels (status) reduce the body’s ability to perform biochemical functions that require those molecules. Yet consuming amounts over the scientifically determined Upper Limit (UL) causes another set of problems related to how the body uses, stores, transports and excretes the vitamin or mineral. At best your body will release the excess in urine as is the case with most water-soluble vitamins (the Bs and C) thus causing the much-emphasised expensive neon wee. At worst overconsumption of Vitamins and Minerals can cause a severe adverse reaction and the ultimate demise of the life that one was trying to maintain the health of. [Aside: the authors avid HHGttG reader status shining through here.] When buying yourself supplements stick to the dose on the label. The risk of adverse reactions from vitamin and mineral supplements is deemed as low by the Therapeutic Goods Authority of Australia (TGA) [and equivalent regulatory bodies across the globe] if taken within the recommended guidelines and Authorised label instructions. This is why these products are listed as Aust L medicines or Food Products whereas pharmaceutical drugs and some over the counter medicines are Aust R (regulated because the risk of harm is greater). Prescription and Practitioner Only MedicinesYou’ll notice that prescription medicines don’t have a dose on the packet as the Doctor makes a clinical decision on the dose right for you. Similarly 'Practitioner Only Products’ prescribed by Natural Health Practitioners also don’t have a dose or instructions on the label because similarly these are required to be tailored to the individual and must have an affixed label with patient name, credentials and dosage instructions, as required by law via the Therapeutic Goods Act and overseen by the Therapeutic Goods Authority. When they say Always read the Label and Follow Directions they are not kidding. Products are tested to work and be safe within the use outlined on the product or in the dose and period of use prescribed by your Health Professional. Going outside of these directions puts you at risk Your Health Professional will prescribe your dose based on many different factors including your health status, age, weight, requirement, the clinically proven therapeutic dose, the upper limit including food sources and taking into account the other medical conditions you have and any pharmaceutical, herbal or nutritional medicines that you are taking. If you are taking any prescription or over the counter medicine it is essential that you read the Consumer Medicines Information (CMI). It used to come as a leaflet with the medicine and now is available online: https://www.tga.gov.au/consumer-medicines-information-cmi Supplement Safety ResourcesSome other Websites to check for suitabiltiy of your medication with Nutritional Medicines: NPS MedicineWise has searchable CMI's which list things to avoid while taking your medication www.nps.org.au/medicine-finder Better is the Medscape drug interaction checker which will cross reference supplemental herbs and nutrients with medications: During your Naturopathic Consultation I will note all your medications and am able to prescribe Herbs, vitamins and Minerals that are safe to take with them. Often Foods can be a great and delicious way to increase nutrient intake and avoid any risk of interaction. Contact me, Book your session or Purchase and complete a totally online Supplement Safety Review form which will provide you with a report of current supplements to avoid or explore for optimal health.
Herb is a description given to any flora that possesses aromatic, culinary or medicinal properties. This includes a wide range of well-known trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, often used in everyday life. The true beauty of herbs is shown in their simplicity of use. The addition of herbal materials such as leaves and flowers to our daily meals and environment can have profound long-term effects, without straining our bodily system already working hard to filter the constituents of air, water and soil pollution. Common botanicals such as lavender can be beneficial in therapeutic ways, such as aromatherapy, to treat light ailments in the home for little economic cost. An herbal tea is a gentle way to ease a headache or mild indigestion, with side effects tempered by the full benefits of the plant's chemical makeup. Plants contain a number of individual substances (constituents), that work together, synergistically when used in their whole form. For example dandelion leaves, when taken as a tea produce a diuretic affect, cleansing the urinary system. The body loses a lot of potassium with frequent urination and the leaf, taken as a whole, contains high amounts of potassium, compensating the nutrient loss from the body. This creates a natural state of balance that is in line with an individual’s own molecular harmony. Using herbs to relieve minor suffering, can improve quality of life and perhaps help to stave off the more drastic states, of dis-ease. To continue with the above example, dandelions grow commonly in lawns and pasture lands throughout Australia. The edible European Dandelion has a single flower on each stem and finer, light green leaves making it easily distinguishable. Collecting herbs from the garden or in the wild can be a most pleasure some task. Out for a walk in the countryside or spotting a new bloom in your garden can change your mood in an instant, creating a natural quality of peace. Dandelion greens are a nutritious addition to a warm salad, perhaps with pumpkin, sundried tomatoes, walnuts and spinach. Lightly cooking dandelion leaves removes their bitterness. Bitter herbs are regarded as digestive healers because they activate gastrointestinal juices. Perhaps it is easy to forget that we are eating the plants and foods of the earth for health, yet, I believe that it is easier to remember daily, the integral part that nature has played and is playing in our lives. HERBAL FORMULAS As a qualified Naturopath I have access to the best Herbal extracts in Australia. These liquid extracts are standardised which means that the levels of active compounds are both continuous and within therapeutic ranges. The raw material is tested and again tested during processing and at final product level. A multitude of herbs are available and each one is processed to retain the true active parts in a standard dose preparation. These liquid herbs are a therapeutic tool that can have definite effects on improving and maintaining health. An herbal formula is created for each unique individual based on their specific and current health needs. A medicinal dose of 5-10mL twice or three times per day is a magnificently natural approach to any health problem. Naturopathic Consultations are Available Mondays to Saturdays at Namaste Naturopathy or Online.
With the Covid19 Pandemic under control for the moment in Australia and as a Professional Health Care Clinic Namaste Naturopathy is OPEN. Online and Telephone Consultations are preferred while we all ease back into social life with Care and physical distancing measures in place. Namaste Naturopathy COVID19 Clinic UpdateYou are welcome to book a face to face appointment at the Clinic here in Upper Mount Gravatt. Attending by yourself or with one other family member or supportive person is preferrable to adhere to social distancing measures and retain the personal and confidential time to discuss your health concerns and needs. We have implemented an appointment time gap between client bookings to ensure that the previous client/s have left before your appointment and the next client will not arrive until you have finished your appointment and left the clinic. In order to maintain this safety interval, please arrive on time to your appointment and phone ahead if you need to change your appointment time. We are happy to rebook you. Our hours are 9am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. If you have any symptoms of cold, flu or Covid19 (including; fever, sore throat, cough or running nose), please call ahead to rebook your appointment. Namaste Naturopathy Clinic provides:
Your clinician will also check their temperature each morning and reschedule your appointment if they have a temperature or any cold, flu or Covid19 symptoms. Namaste Naturopathy Practitioners have all completed the Infection Control Module offered by the Department of Health and will always adhere to Government legislation and implement appropriate precautions in clinic to ensure that our clients and ourselves remain safe. Online Supplement ReviewI also have a Supplement Safety Review that is available online. This is an analysis of your food intake, medical conditions and medications which will give you a report outlining medicinal foods that you can use to improve your nutritional status and alleviate symptoms, the best supplements for you if you choose to include those and any Vitamin or Mineral supplements that are indicated or best avoided for you unique health conditions and medication regime.
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AuthorShairin is a Naturopath and Usui Reiki Master/Teacher with a Bachelor of Health Science in (Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Medical Systems). 
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