Issue 145

D-I-Y Emotional Eating Freedom:Brisbane Workshop 17 August (Part 1)!

Imagine being free to eat exactly what you want, when you want it, without any guilt attached. Now imagine living like this every day and discovering yourself losing weight naturally as a long-term side-effect of changing your thinking. Does this sound too good to be true?

This is the immensely pleasurable reality when you learn to eat intuitively - that means creating lots more mind-full-ness about your thoughts and working with your body, instead of waging war against it. You'll be "feeding" your self-esteem instead of your 'food addiction'. You may even create a new addiction - self-nurturing!

Years of dieting - or more accurately failing diets - teaches us to disconnect from our intuition and what our body is trying to tell us, we stop trusting ourselves. Our diet culture creates anxiety as well as food and weight obsession. If you're like me and most women, you will have dieted your way up to a much higher weight than when you started.

And what would I know about this issue? I spent thirteen years of my life either on a diet and depriving myself - or off the diet and beating myself up with guilt every time I had another emotional eating session. For thirteen years, my moods and my weight swung from two extremes.

Then I accidentally stumbled upon my own non-diet approach with intuitive eating while pregnant with my first child. Within two years and two babies, I dropped from a size 14 down to size 8 and I've been this size for eleven years now. How's that for long-term and real results? I found a way out of my emotional eating pain and I will show you the way out of yours too.

Karla's next Emotional Eating Freedom workshop will be run on Sunday 17th August from 10am to 5pm at the Relaxation Centre 15 South Pine Rd, Alderley. Cost $65 inc 50 page guide. Phone 3856 3733 to book

(See part 2 of this article next issue)

Karla Cameron Founder Life After Diets P: 3856 4989 and F: 3856 6989 M: 0411 224 609 E: karla@lifeafterdiets.com.au

www.lifeafterdiets.com.au

 



Why Am I So Angry - Understanding Premenstrual Syndrome(PMS): By Nirala Jacobi ND ( USA)


When it comes to PMS and other menstrual disorders, women are often frustrated with the lack of understanding and proper care they receive from conventional sources.

"One week before my period, I'm so irritable I could rip my husband's head off" is a frequent statement. Oral contraceptives seem to be the one-stop treatment of choice for many of these complaints and although artificial stabilization of hormones can bring relief for the issues of PMS, it does not help to find the cause of the problem.

Natural medicine has much to offer for PMS sufferers as it targets the root of the problem. In my practice in Brisbane, I help women unravel the cause of their particular PMS symptom picture

Let's take a look at what's going on.

PMS is defined as the well known myriad of symptoms which start 1-2 weeks before the period. These include

- breast pain
- mood changes such as anger or depression
- headaches
- acne
- digestive complaints such as bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
- weight gain and water retention
- sugar cravings
- fatigue often 1-2 weeks before the period.

All symptoms MUST resolve with the onset of the period to be classified as PMS or something else is going on.

Hormonal Balance

From the first day of the period to ovulation (typically around day 14), oestrogen rises slowly and declines after the egg is released from the ovary. In a normal menstrual cycle, progesterone is the main hormone after ovulation-it helps to offset some of the strong effects of oestrogen.

A common finding in PMS sufferers is an elevated oestrogen/progesterone ratio in which oestrogen is abnormally elevated compared to the level of progesterone. This can be due to an inefficient liver clearance of oestrogen or mild progesterone deficiency.

Another reason why progesterone is low in the 2nd half of the cycle is stress. Stress raises a hormone called cortisol. When stress is continuous, progesterone is taken from the menstrual cycle to convert to cortisol. This is a protective mechanism --as the body thinks it is running from a tiger it considers cortisol more important than the reproductive hormone progesterone.

Irritability and Depression

Not only can high oestrogen cause all of the symptoms of PMS, but an elevated oestrogen/progesterone ratio has also been shown to impair proper neurotransmitter synthesis such as the "feel-good" serotonin. This may be due to oestrogen depleting B6 levels which is a necessary vitamin to produce proper serotonin levels.

B6 levels are frequently low in depressed patients, especially those taking oestrogens such as the birth control pill or menopausal medication such as Premarin.

Anger is also often experienced by women with PMS. Energetically, anger can be a frequent sign of liver congestion and oestrogen overload.

Oestrogen Dominance

The total amount of oestrogen in your body is determined by

- how much you make yourself (technically, all oestrogen starts as testosterone and is converted in the ovaries or fat tissues-known as endogenous oestrogen)

- how much comes from the outside (from hormones in animal products, chemicals in cosmetics etc-known as exogenous oestrogen)

and how well you detoxify both.

Too high oestrogen is known as oestrogen dominance, a condition associated with PMS, breast cancer, uterine fibroids, and endometriosis.

Other hormonal influences

In addition to the above mentioned effects, excess oestrogen has also been implicated in a rise in aldosterone secretion from 2-8 days prior to menses, causing fluid retention, a common complaint in PMS. Endogenous and exogenous oestrogen can also increase prolactin secretion by the pituitary gland. Elevated prolactin has been linked to progesterone deficiency, breast pain, fibrocystic breast disease, and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism affects a large percentage of women with PMS, and should therefore not be underestimated. If symptoms persist, a simple blood test can identify blatant thyroid dysfunction.

Natural Approaches to PMS

It is always important to know what type of PMS you are experiencing before embarking on a treatment plan. The suggestions below are just examples of a wide variety of professional treatments.

Diet: In my practice, diet and lifestyle recommendations are always the foundation on which I build my treatment plan. I often start the treatment with a cleansing diet for 2-4 weeks, after which I focus on specific diet changes. Depending on the symptom picture, a typical dietary recommendation for a patient with PMS may be to reduce all animal products to decrease exogenous oestrogens as well as saturated fats. To put this into context: vegetarian women excrete two to three times more oestrogens in their faeces and have 50% lower free oestrogens than their omnivore counterparts. Overall reduction of fat, sugar, and salt all has been shown to significantly improve PMS symptoms in some women.

Liver Detox: the liver is a very important organ of detoxification. Oestrogens are detoxified through the 2 main detox pathways of the liver. Abstaining from alcohol, caffeine, chemicals and processed foods can lower the total detox burden of the liver. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage) contain Indole-3-carbinol-a potent compound that aids in the liver detoxification of oestrogen. This is also available in pill form.

The Gut: Another important aspect of PMS treatment is to establish proper bowel flora. To detoxify oestrogens, the liver binds it to glucuronic acid which prevents the reabsorption of oestrogens from the bowel. Certain undesirable gut bacteria produce the enzyme beta-glucuronidase which cleaves this bond and allows these oestrogens to re-enter the circulation, adding to the total oestrogen pool. Increasing fibre and adding probiotics to the treatment protocol can be very beneficial.

Exercise and stress reduction have been clearly documented in the literature for reducing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

Specific Herbs and Nutrients

These will be prescribed on an individualized basis.

Just a few examples:


By far the most commonly used herb in PMS is Vitex agnus-castus (Chaste tree berry). It is so effective in regulating menses and lowering prolactin it has been written up in Europe's prestigious "German Commission E" - a scientific database on herbal substances

B6 and Magnesium are important for proper serotonin production especially in cases of oestrogen dominance. It also seems to help with sugar cravings before the period.

(c) Nirala Jacobi 2008

(07) 3368 1740 Address: 113 Enoggera Terrace Paddington Queensland

http://www.niralajacobi.com/


Australasian Spa Association Finalist: Recognises Excellence in Brisbane Day Spa!!

 

Rainesforest Massage & Day Spa - Indoooropilly Brisbane has achieved Australasian recognition for providing professional and caring service to clients.

It's natural environment, 11 treatment rooms, 7 outdoor spa areas and 6 sauna facilities allow clients to take additional time out after a treatment time. These facilities are complimentary to guests and allow for greater impact of massage and body treatments.

Rainesforest has designed some great winter specials to help clients get through the cooler winter period, focusing on heated oils, hot stone massage, hot sauna time, and hot beverages.

If you are able to take a Monday to Friday appointment time, fantastic savings are available to encourage you to take care of yourself.

The natural bush environment caters for green minded guests, and instantly soothes the accumulated stress of modern city living.

For full details about one of Australasia's top Day Spas, you can go to www.rainesforestmassage.com or pay a visit to 16 Priory Street, Indooroopilly, Brisbane, and call for information on (07) 3878 9786.

Ask about the special member offer for extra care and attention.

Balance your Natural Energy: With Q-Link!

"The Q-Link Pendant is a way to BALANCE your NATURAL ENERGY, reduce the effects and symptoms of STRESS plus ENHANCE your everyday LIFE." If your suffer from…

Stress
Poor Sleep
Headaches
Lack of energy
Jetlag
Poor Performance
Then a Q-Link Pendant may be your solution. Thousands of Q-Link Pendant wearers have benefited from:

Significantly reduced headaches
Better overall sleep
More energy
Increased concentration and focus
Reduced jetlag
Improved sporting performance
Reduced effects from exposure to mobile phones, computers and other electrical devices.

Medical Professionals worldwide report that the number one health challenge facing modern civilization today is STRESS. An estimated 75 to 90% of all visits to Health Care Professionals are for stress-related symptoms or complaints.

Scientific studies* have shown that Q-Link Pendants with SRT is a solution. Q-Link Pendant is a wearable technology that strengthens the body's natural energy system increasing your ability to cope with stress. Q-Link improves your performance at home, in the office or on the sporting arena and enhances your overall well-being.

Several world-class athletes report that the QLink improves their energy, mental focus and endurance, giving them a significant edge over the competition.

BRACELETS ALSO AVAILABLE!!

Orders and Product Information Email: orders@qlink.com.au Tel: 1800 175 465 Fax: 03 9696 0399

www.qlink.com.au

 

Introductory Offers: Beauty, Animal Care & Hair Removal!

Check out these great offers from South East Qld's finest health and beauty businesses! - simply click the link and fill out the contact form,

Radiant Body Bar(Capalaba)
Purchase a Contour Body Wrap and Receive a Free 1/2 hour Sauna (Value $35.00) (Please call and mention myhealthspecials)
( Please fill out the contact form on the page)

Natural Animal Care $5.00 off your initial consultation fee when you mention this advertisement! (mention myhealthspecials.com.au).! ( Please fill out the contact form on the page)

Irridessence (Fortitude Valley)
40% off the full price of certain treatments(conditions apply)
offer is available to the first 20 people who mention this ad! .
( Please fill out the contact form on the page)

more specials at www.myhealthspecials.com.au

Nourishedmagazine.com.au: 10 Reasons Why Parents Question Vaccincation!

by The Australian Vaccination Network

Oh yes, it's that hotly debated topic of vaccinations again! Perhaps it is an issue that can never really be clearly resolved but here are ten of the reasons why many parents question vaccination. MORE...

 

Brought to you by www.nourishedmagazine.com.au

Short and Sweet:Lunchbox Tips!

Lunchbox Tips

* Sandwich dried apricots together with Australian spreadable cream cheese.

* Cut the crusts off a slice of bread, butter and top with sliced ham and a cheese stick, roll up firmly to create delicious Cheesy Roll Arounds.

* Savoury cheese muffins make a great alternative to sandwiches.

* Pop a small container of your favourite dairy dip such as French onion, avocado and sour cream or yogurt and cucumber with vegetable sticks in your child’s lunchbox.

* Crack an egg pies are a delicious lunch treat and can be made ahead and frozen.

Simply cut the crusts of a slice of bread and push into a muffin pan, crack an egg inside then sprinkle with cheese and ham, bake until golden then cool

www.dairyaustralia.com.au

Laughter is the best medicine!

What do Eskimos get from sitting on the ice too long? Polaroids.

What do prisoners use to call each other? Cell phones.

What do you call a boomerang that doesn't work? A stick.

What do you call cheese that isn't yours? Nacho Cheese.

Quote of the week!

Love - a wildly misunderstood although highly desirable malfunction of the heart which weakens the brain, causes eyes to sparkle, cheeks to glow, blood pressure to rise and the lips to pucker. Anonymous

For a Good Cause: Why Support Lifeline?

What does Lifeline Stand for?

Lifeline aspires to be a leader in providing opportunities for people to benefit from - and contribute - to quality services across Australia. Our Vision Imagining communities where anyone can give and receive care The Process Connecting people to counselling, learning and information through personal service and innovative technology Our Values We respect everyone has a right to be heard, understood and cared for Our Mission Placing services that support living and wellbeing within reach of everyone

http://www.lifeline.org.au

 


BACK ISSUES OF NATURALLY HAPPY

In the next issue of "Naturally Happy"

  • Life after Diets!
  • Le Mirage Day Spas!
  • Personal Best Personal Training!
  • Nirala Jacobi, BHSc, ND (USA)
  • Earthsentials!
  • nourished.com.au!
  • Short and sweet!
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My Health Specials provides this information for your personal education and enrichment. Information provided should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Nor should the information replace the advice of your health care practitioner. Always seek professional advice if suffering an illness. My Health Specials Pty Ltd and all parties involved in the conception, production, ongoing maintenance and operation of Naturally Happy accept no liability and no responsibility for any damage whatsoever arising from or in connection to your use or operation of the website or information contained in this e-magazine.