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"NOTHING IS MORE VALUABLE THAN YOUR HEALTH"
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I've been told to avoid dairy products - where will I get my calcium from?
Why can't I seem to lose weight?
Why does cranberry juice help Cystitis?
What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Is fish really a 'brain food'?
Why do I always feel tired, even after a good night's sleep?
How much water should I drink?
Why is my skin constantly dry and itchy?
Why do I tend to get unexplained muscle or joint aches?
What do 'GI' and 'GL' mean, and what is the difference?
Cod Liver oil or Omega-3 Fish Oils - which is better?
Q: I've been told to avoid dairy products - where will I get my calcium from?
A: It's a common misconception that milk and dairy are the best (or only) sources of calcium. Plenty of other foods are naturally rich in calcium, including green leafy vegetables, soft-boned fish, nuts, seeds and tofu. Bear in mind that in order for the body to properly absorb and utilise calcium, nutrients such as vitamin D, magnesium and boron are also required.
Q: Why can't I seem to lose weight?
A: There could be a number of reasons for difficulty in losing weight. Sugary foods and fatty foods are high in calories and pile on the pounds. Hormone imbalances (such as oestrogen dominance, or low levels of active thyroid hormone) can also also contribute to weight problems. Regular exercise is extremely important, helping to burn calories and increase the metabolism. Other factors such as stress, toxins and food sensitivities may also have a negative impact.
Q: Why do I always feel bloated?
A: Bloating tends to occur due to poor digestion, an imbalance in gut bacteria, or high intake of foods that are sugary, fatty or protein-dense. Another reason may simply be that meals are rushed and food is not chewed thoroughly, meaning that the digestive system does not get a chance to break down food properly. Food intolerances should also be investigated, as these could be a contributing factor.
Q: Why does cranberry juice help Cystitis?
A: Drinking pure (unsweetened) cranberry juice helps to produce Hippuric Acid in the urine, making urine more acidic. An acidic environment in the bladder helps to combat growth of bacteria such as E. Coli and Chlamydia, which can cause Cystitis and other urinary tract infections. Cranberry juice can also prevent bacteria from clinging to the inside of the bladder wall.
Q: What is the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
A: Type 1 Diabetes is an auto-immune disease, where the body attacks the pancreatic cells which produce insulin. Sufferers normally need to inject insulin on a daily basis. Type 2 Diabetes (or Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus), the most common form of Diabetes, tends to occur later in life. It can be controlled through diet and lifestyle, with an emphasis on eating low-fat, low-sugar and high-fibre foods.
Q: Is fish really a 'brain food'?
A: Yes, especially oily fish, which are rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids (DHA and EPA). Omega-3 is vital for brain growth/development, function, and the production of neurotransmitters - the chemicals that relay signals and messages between brain cells. Studies have shown that behaviour, concentration and learning ability is increased in children who had supplemented their diet with omega-3 fish oils. Oily fish and omega-3 oils also play a beneficial role in regulating mood, helping to prevent feelings of depression.
Q: Is organic food all 'hype'?
A: Organic food is marketed in various ways - some labelling and advertising can be misleading, and not all food containing 'organic' ingredients is healthy. However, truly organically-grown fruit and vegetables should be free of genetic modification, artificial fertilisers, fungicides, pesticides and chemicals; organically-reared animals should be free of antibiotics, growth promoters and hormones, and fed a 'natural' organic diet. Personally, I refer not to consume chemicals, antibiotics and hormones...!
Q: Why do I always feel tired, even after a good night's sleep?
A: One of the likely causes could be long-term stress. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, are produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol also helps us to wake up in the mornings and carry out our daily routine. Chronic stress means that the adrenals have to work harder to keep producing cortisol. Over time, the adrenals become 'tired' (this is known as adrenal fatigue) and cortisol levels continue to decline, resulting in low energy levels, tiredness and lethargy, especially in the mornings.
Q: How much water should I drink?
A: To keep the body adequately hydrated, approximately 1.5 to 2 litres per day. However, when exercising, or during hot weather, then extra fluids need to be taken. Water should be sipped throughout the day; gulping down huge quantities of water at once will have no benefit, as most of it will be 'flushed' through the body before it can be absorbed. Consuming excessive amounts of water, however, can be harmful, as vital body salts and minerals could become diluted.
Q: Why is my skin constantly dry and itchy?
A: This could be due to a variety of factors, including: poor diet, food intolerance, dehydration, family history of skin complaints, clothing, or even a sensitivity to cosmetics, toiletries or cleaning products. Each factor would need to be investigated and addressed where appropriate, including possibly having a food intolerance test. Increasing fresh fruit and vegetables, salads, oily fish, seeds, and drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water, will all help to nourish the skin.
Q: Why do I tend to get unexplained muscle or joint aches?
A: Generally, this could be a sign of a food sensitivity or increased toxicity levels in the body. If a food acts as an 'allergen' it can over-stimulate the immune system and have an inflammatory effect, resulting in aches and pains. Toxins can accumulate in the muscles and joints, also resulting in aches and pains. In very extreme cases (which should first be checked by your GP), this can be one of the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.
Q: What do 'GI' and 'GL' mean, and what is the difference?
A: 'GI' means Glycaemic Index, and it is a measure of how quickly (or slowly) a food raises blood sugar levels. A low GI value (below 55) means that a food slowly raises blood sugar levels; a high value (above 70) means levels are quickly raised. Glucose has a GI rating of 100; plums have a low GI rating of about 45. 'GL', a fairly recent concept, means Glycaemic Load, and refers to the quantity and quality of carbohydrate in a food or meal portion, and also takes into account the GI value. The more carbohydrate there is in a food, the higher its GL value. The GL value can be viewed as the 'power' behind the GI - so a high GI/high GL meal is not good news! Aim to have no more than a daily GL total of 100.
Q: Cod Liver oil or Omega-3 Fish Oils - which is better?
A: It all depends on the source of the fish, the quality and purity of the oil, the production methods and the brand. Cod liver oil, as the name suggests, is derived from the livers of cod. It is rich in vitamins A, D and E, and also contains omega-3. The liver is the main 'detox' organ, so the purer the ocean in which the cod was caught, the fewer toxins that will have passed through the cod's liver. Omega-3 fish oils tend to be derived from the flesh of oily fish. Again, cold clear ocean waters are important for ensuring a pure product, however, there appears to be less risk of contamination than cod liver oil, and omega-3 fish oils contain no natural vitamin A or D, so these are 'safer' during pregnancy. I have a personal preference for omega-3 fish oils. Ultimately, it's down to individual choice, and taking all the facts into account.