Causes of Fatigue

Fatigue Q&A

Given my introduction to natural medicine came about as a result of suffering from severe fatigue and immune system compromise via Chronic Fatigue Syndrome for several years, I was recently asked to answer the following questions on fatigue that may end up being published.

Fatigue is a subject I have done a lot of research on over the years and have helped with the recovery of many clients over the years who have also suffered from fatigue.

I hope you find this short Q & A piece a worthwhile and educational read.

Q: What causes fatigue:
Fatigue most often appears as a result of a number of ailments or aspects of living that debilitate our system. These include:

1. Post viral illness; i.e. glandular fever, chronic sinusitis etc.
2. Post extreme and/or chronic stress – be it emotional (divorce, death in the family, bankruptcy, VCE etc),or physical (i.e. as is often seen in athletes who over train).
3. As a result of long term elevated and/or fluctuating blood sugar levels – leading to hypoglycaemia or insulin resistance.
4. Over stimulation of the nervous system via stress (as above), and excessive amounts of stimulants (coffee, energy drinks, sugar, alcohol, smoking, drugs etc.).
5. Gastro-intestinal problems – IBS, dysbiosis etc.
6. Obesity.
7. Chronic inactivity or lack of exercise.
8. Vitamin/mineral deficiencies; i.e. anaemia.

In general, it could be argued that all of the above occur as a result of living in a fashion that is out of alignment with how our bodies have been built or genetically programmed (via evolutionary environmental influences) to function optimally or thrive.
These aspects of living include how we eat and drink, how we move (or not!!), how we breathe, how we think and how we rest and rejuvenate.

Q: Why do people feel tired?
As above. However at a cellular level it is because their cells no longer produce energy efficiently due to:

• Nervous system and adrenal exhaustion – via over stimulation.
• Poor fuel and vitamin/mineral supply.
• Excessive free radical damage to cell membranes due to an excess of toxins and insufficient antioxidants.
• Immune dysfunction and poor absorption of nutrients due to disturbance in gastro-intestinal flora and mucous membrane linings – known as dysbiosis.
• Inefficient metabolism and elimination of wastes and toxins via liver and kidneys.
• Poor supply of oxygen to the cells due to inefficient breathing – too rapid and too much volume of air due to mouth breathing as opposed to breathing through the nose and being driven by the diaphragm.

Q: The top 7 things you can do to prevent fatigue?

1. Eliminate or dramatically reduce dietary intake of the following: sugars – including
   • sugar, sweets, chocolates, added sugars, refined carbohydrates (white flour/rice in bread, pasta, cakes, biscuits, cereals, muesli bars etc.), alcohol.
   • Processed foods – foods containing chemicals or that have been refined in any way.
   • Stimulants – coffee, energy drinks, cigarettes, alcohol, drugs.
2. Eat 3 meals and 2 snacks daily and include protein in each meal and snack (especially breakfast).
3. Exercise regularly.
4. Breathe through the nose at all times, using the diaphragm (even during exercise) rather than using the mouth, chest and shoulders.
5. Cleanse you gut and liver via detoxification processes.
6. Learn to relax and balance your nervous system via meditation and yoga.
7. Use a herbal adaptogen such a Siberian Red (www.pineneedleproducts.com or www.siberianred.com) to assist in undoing the damage caused by over stimulation of the nervous system and the resulting adrenal fatigue.

Breathing Retraining

BREATHING DYNAMICS – Introduction

This blog is an introduction to a series of blogs on the use of breathing retraining, via Breathing Dynamics and CapnoTrainer biofeedback technology, for several areas of performance and health.

These include – sporting ,artistic, professional and academic performace, and for prevention and treatment of asthma, snoring, sleep apnoea, anxiety and depression, eczema and other allergies, fatigue, high blood pressure/hypertension and for dental issues.
Should you feel the need for further detail or explanation as a result of reading this blog, the breathing section of this website goes into much more detail and subsequent blogs over the next couple of months will look at the specifics of breathing and breathing retraining for the above pathologies and/or aspects of performance.

The biochemical and physiological consequences of dysfunctional or “over-breathing” (so far I have only ever tested 1 person who breathes functionally, according to medical diagnostic standards, without prior biofeedback training) not only help to create dysfunction in living and performance, but to contribute to the pathology that is evident in the ailments above. In other words, they play a major role in the ‘root cause’ underlying the pathology. Conversely, retraining one’s breathing and improving breathing function, will help to restore balance in the biochemical and physiological processes in the body that contributed to this pathology or lack of performance in the first place.

My interest in breathing originated from 2 sources:

1. My involvement in sport at an elite level for many years – both as a coach and an athlete.
2. My interest and practice in firstly meditation, and subsequently Ashtanga yoga over many years.

What had really primed my interest and had me open to investigating breathing further was a couple of aspects from the above sources.

Firstly, I had been meditating for several years and had felt great benefit so, in 2001, I decided to do a research review on meditation – both what occurs and its’ benefits. A copy of this is found in the downloads section of this website (although my PC skills were not good then and I lost the references and footnotes after the first half – so please excuse this). This triggered my awareness of the role of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the balance between the sympathetic (SNS) and parasympathetic (PSNS) aspects of the ANS. In short, the main physiological occurrence in regular meditators, during meditation, is the evidence of parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) dominance (known as the ‘relaxation response’) which is the exact opposite of the stress response. It is largely this state that leads to the wealth of physiological and psychological benefits derived from a regular meditation practice. And breathing is the central tenet or practice in all forms of meditation or relaxation.
In addition, breathing is the one function, principally controlled by the ANS (i.e. it works whether we are conscious of it or not), that we can exert a direct conscious influence over. And therefore, by regulating our breathing, we can regulate the balance between the SNS and PSNS aspects of our ANS. And that is potentially HUGE.

Secondly, I was reading a book written about Lance Armstrong (“Tour De-Force”) which detailed his training regime and interviewed one of the main doctors of physiology involved in his training program and testing. The program and testing that Armstrong was subjected to was both extremely organised and fine tuned. so that he was acutely aware of where he was at in terms of preparation of the Tour De France at any given time in his lead up. Again, in short, this Dr (Dr Ferrari – who is a world renowned expert in sports training) was asked by the author where he thought that the advances in sporting performance in the future would come from. Outside of illegal drugs, he said that, because understandings of both training and recovery were so advanced, he felt that a great ‘untapped’ area that could offer potentially huge benefits was to do with breathing. Very, very interesting!!

Three years ago, I met a breathing expert in Sydney (Roger Price – www.breathingwell.com.au) who was a Buteyko Breathing practitioner (which I had previously been aware of and practiced briefly) who combined CapnoTrainer biofeedback technology with the understanding he had gained on breathing via the Buteyko principles and methods. My breathing was assessed via the CapnoTrainer and it was made very evident that my breathing was definitely not functional or met diagnostic norms.
In fact, most people over breathe. I was made aware that whilst diagnostic norms suggest we should breathe at 8-10 breaths per minute (for optimal breathing efficiency) or 12-14,000 times per day, most of us breathe over 30,000 times per day!!!

I was hooked. Apart from my fragile ego being most upset, I could instantly see the benefits of this modality in a number of aspects of my work as a naturopath, and in my role as an athlete/coach and personal practice as a meditator and novice yoga practitioner.

What did surprise me was that, even though the scientific understandings and principles of this modality come straight from mainstream medical text books, this form of assessment and retraining was not available or used in mainstream practice!!!
I think the answer to this lies in the origins of medical model (see “Turning Back The Clock” in the downloads section of this site) and its’ heavy reliance on pharmaceutical medicines and the significant role in research and education played by the pharmaceutical industry.

Suffice it to say, the influence of breathing on the body’s functioning is systemic and not directly obvious. Yet it plays a significant role in the ‘root cause’ of so many pathologies or insufficiencies in living and performance.
And there is not a single pharmaceutical medicine that will restore functional breathing patterns and rhythms. It requires training and practice.

Having spent a great deal of time researching and in training for this modality since, I have now incorporated this understanding, training and practice into my clinical and personal practices over the last 18 months to 2 years. In this time I have witnessed some spectacular results that I would never have been able to have achieve using the methods I had previously learned alone.

Breathing Dynamics has given me another significant piece in the puzzle of achieving optimal living and health – both for myself and my clients.

Health tips for reducing wrinkles

Following is an article from biochemist, Dr Mitra Ray, whose work I have been aware of for many years. I love her methods and her approach to health and well-being. Definitely worth a read. I will try to include more articles from Dr Ray in coming blogs. Alternatively you can visit her website on www.drmitraray.com.

Important Practices for Beautiful Skin: Understanding Wrinkles

By Dr. Mitra Ray

Perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of beauty and healthy skin is the concept of wrinkles. Most people believe that wrinkles are the result of dry skin, and that as we age our skin dries out and shows wear and tear. To treat these supposed causes of wrinkles, Americans spent $1.6 billion in 2008 on anti-aging skincare alone, but have you ever met someone who effectively removed their wrinkles with a lotion or potion?

There is also the misconception that moisturizers will replenish lost moisture and miraculously erase the lines that all women seem to dread so much. There are products that can temporarily plump up the skin cells, making them appear more full and smooth, but these last hours, not weeks or months, and actually may damage skin. One of the worst things that you can put on your skin is a common ingredient in moisturizers and lotions. Propylene Glycol is a filler that keeps you from needing to stir your products every time you use them. It also prevents products from freezing during transport, but this is because Propylene Glycol is, in fact, anti-freeze! Long term use can actually cause, rather than treat, wrinkles, dry skin, dull tone and uneven texture. Other products may contain equally toxic ingredients, including allergens and known carcinogens. As a safe bet, the only products that I recommend for the skin are products that you would feel okay eating. The skin absorbs all of the ingredients that you put on it, so if you wouldn’t serve it in a dish to your family, you shouldn’t put it on your face or body.

So if wrinkles aren’t the result of dry skin or aging, and store-bought creams can’t do anything to minimize or erase them, is there a way to treat wrinkles naturally and effectively? To do so, we first need to understand what actually does cause the wrinkles in the first place. And to do this, it’s important to learn how to read your face; different types of wrinkles are the symptoms of different health problems. You may find it easiest to focus on one set of wrinkles at a time. Let’s examine the different lines people commonly have on their faces, what they mean, and how to get rid of them.

Horizontal Lines
Many women have horizontal lines across their forehead. One possible explanation for these lines is waste in the intestines, usually the colon. And the deeper the lines, the more waste has accumulated. The most expeditious way to get rid of these lines is to do a series of enemas. You can read more about how to give yourself a healthy enema, and other reasons they’re worthwhile, in my book Do You Have the Guts to Be Beautiful? I also found that once I started on Juice Plus+^® (see www.timaltmanjuiceplus.com) some 16 years ago, these lines went away and they have yet to return. I attribute this to Juice Plus+^® and my improved diet.

Crow’s Feet
Everybody knows what crow’s feet are: the lines that appear at the outer corners of your eyes. These are caused by processed and overcooked foods. They signal the need to add more raw foods and fiber to your diet, and to remove processed and overcooked foods.

Lines From Nose to Mouth
Call them “smile lines”, but they seem to get deeper with age. These are caused by a lack of minerals and omega-3 fats in the diet. These lines can also occur in the health conscious individual who is on a plant-based diet, but who is not getting enough minerals and omega-3 fats in a form that is readily absorbable. The addition of ¼ cup of ground flax seeds to the Green Drink (see Dr Ray’s book and website for details) will address this.

Vertical Lines
There are two short vertical lines that can appear between the eyebrows. People may call them “worry lines”. In reality, these lines indicate that the liver is clogged up and is not removing toxins properly from the body. The great news is that these lines are not permanent – you can actually get rid of them by doing liver flushes, such as the one described in Do You Have the Guts to Be Beautiful? The deeper your lines, the more flushes you should do – generally at least once a month. You will notice an increased sense of well-being within several days after doing a liver flush, and you lines will go away after several months. You can also treat less severe liver lines by eating milk thistle daily. The seeds are ground up and sold in capsule form, though it’s cheaper to by the seeds and grind them up fresh for your Green Drink.

Finally, if you want to have beautiful skin you need to be consuming a pure diet, but you also want to make sure you’re eating foods that improve circulation, which increases blood flow to the skin. Turmeric and cayenne can boost circulation, as can gingko and hawthorn. You will also want to take a whole-food based supplement, such as Juice Plus+^®.

Read more about Dr. Mitra Ray on her website here.

Proteins increase energy expenditure

Proteins, not sugar, increase energy expenditure

Monday, January 09, 2012 by: Michelle Bosmier
Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/034596_metabolism_protein_sugar.html#ixzz1jBxH1zsi

(NaturalNews) A study published in the November issue of the science journal Neuron subverts the commonly held belief that consuming sugar can make you feel more energetic. Researchers at the University of Cambridge reveal that protein is responsible for activating cells that keep us awake and help us burn more calories, not glucose.

According to the study results, our alertness and energy levels depend on a set of cells called “orexin cells”, which secrete a substance that acts as a stimulant for the brain. When these cells stop functioning properly or become mutated, sleep disorders like narcolepsy, as well as weight gain, may settle in.

Orexin cells are a type of neuropeptides whose complete functions are not yet fully understood. Neuropeptides are tiny molecules that neurons use to enable communication between each other. Scientists were able to determine that orexin cells have primary functions in brain metabolism and are involved in the stimulation of food intake. Orexins were also found to promote wakefulness as part of our innate system that determines whether we should be asleep or awake.

To learn whether they influence our energy levels, the scientists looked at how different nutrients interact with orexin cells. Proteins were by far the most fruitful – the amino acids they are built from stimulate orexin cells to a greater extent than any other nutrient.

The science team used a fluorescent substance to highlight the precious orexin cells in mouse brains. They then observed these cells’ interactions with various nutrients, including amino acids from egg-white proteins.

Dr. Denis Burdakov from the Department of Pharmacology and Institute of Metabolic Science, led the research project. He explained that apparently inconsequential events, such as our working and sleeping routines, can end up influencing our overall weight.

“Sleep patterns, health, and body weight are intertwined. Shift work, as well as poor diet, can lead to obesity. Electrical impulses emitted by orexin cells stimulate wakefulness and tell the body to burn calories,” said Dr. Burdakov. While glucose normally blocks the action of orexin cells, when amino acids interfere, they are able to negate the effects of glucose molecules.

The fact that proteins may play a role in weight control is no scientific novelty. However, researchers are now able to determine exactly how such a thing is possible. A 2005 study conducted in Sweden by doctors Susanne Bryngelsson and Nils-Georg Asp had already showed that elevating protein intake helps reduce body weight faster than by limiting carbohydrate consumption. This also explains what we were only able to observe until now: that protein-rich meals tend to make people more alert than sugar-rich meals.

“What is exciting is to have a rational way to ‘tune’ select brain cells to be more or less active by deciding what food to eat. Not all brain cells are simply turned on by all nutrients, dietary composition is critical,” said Burdakov.

Learning about this connection between body weight and sleep regulation can prove very useful for individuals who are trying to control their body weight.

“Research suggests that if you have a choice between jam on toast, or egg whites on toast, go for the latter. Even though the two may contain the same number of calories, having a bit of protein will tell the body to burn more calories out of those consumed,” concluded Burdakov.

Sources for this article include:
http://www.foodandnutritionresearch.net/index.php/fnr/article/view/1515
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004123554.htm
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111116124714.htm

About the author:
Raw Michelle is a natural health blogger and researcher, sharing her passions with others, using the Internet as her medium. She discusses topics in a straight forward way in hopes to help people from all walks of life achieve optimal health and well-being. She has authored and published hundreds of articles on topics such as the raw food diet and green living in general. In 2010, Michelle created RawFoodHealthWatch.com, to share with people her approach to the raw food diet and detoxification.

Prevent Chronic Illness with Fruits and Vegetables

THE POWER OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

The title of this article speaks for itself. It provides compelling evidence that (as I’ve said previously and will keep saying) ‘the medicine of the future will be the food we evolved eating in the past’.

The 6 major killers in the western worlds are all chronic, insidious onset, diseases – heart disease, cancer, stroke, obesity related illnesses, diabetes and chronic respiratory illnesses. Modern medicine and engineering has been highly successful in dramatically reducing the percentage of deaths from the previous biggest killers (around 150 years ago) – infectious diseases and trauma. But it is losing the war against chronic illnesses. It’s methods mainly serve to palliate.

All of these chronic illnesses are preventable by lifestyle intervention. It is via fresh food and pure plant or organism extracted supplements that we can win this war against the big 6.
(The following is excerpted from Dr. Humbard ‘Smokey’ Santillo’s book ProMetabolics: Your Personal Guide to Transformational Health and Healing)

Fruits and vegetables are rich in many helpful antioxidants. Antioxidants stop the free radical chain reaction by accepting renegade electrons into their own structure and hiding them away, rendering them harmless. It is clearly best for your health to counter free radicals with antioxidants, to prevent excessive free radical damage from pushing the body into a degenerative state that can create a focus of disease. If this disease process were to happen, part of your therapy would be to add more antioxidants to your diet.

Among the many antioxidants supplied by fruits and vegetables are vitamin E and the carotenoid beta-carotene, which defend cell membranes from free radical damage. Vitamin C protects the body’s watery components. It seems especially adept at neutralizing free radicals from polluted air and cigarette smoke, and it can also restore oxidized vitamin E to its active state. Green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale contain lutein, another powerful antioxidant.

Many minerals are antioxidants as well. Iodine, for example, has been shown to be an antioxidant on par with or better than vitamins C and E; its incorporation into cell membranes helps prevent lipid peroxidation. (Smyth PP. Role of iodine in antioxidant defense in thyroid and breast disease. Biofactors 2003, 19:121-130; Tseng YL. Inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Lipids 1984, 19:96-102.) The mineral selenium is a component of the antioxidant glutathione peroxidase, which protects red blood cells and cell membranes from free radicals, working in conjunction with vitamin E (or replacing it). Selenium-rich diets might reduce cancer risks.

We would all do well to follow the advice in Jean Carper’s book Stop Aging Now: “Eat all the various fruits and vegetables you can. Nowhere will you find the anti-aging properties you get in fruits and vegetables. They possess countless known and unknown agents that transform your cells into fortresses against the free radical forces of aging. Much of what we call aging is really a fruit and vegetable deficiency.” (Carper J. Stop Aging Now. Harper-Collins Publishers, New York, NY, 1996.)

Along those lines, a study reported in the Journal of the American Medical Association identified spinach as the food most apt to prevent cataracts in a group of elderly people. (Seddon J, et al. Dietary carotenoids, vitamins A, C, and E, and advanced age-related macular degeneration. JAMA 1994 272:1413.) Some reports suggest an inverse relationship between DNA damage and vegetable intake–that is, more vegetables, less damage. (Djuric Z, et al. Oxidative DNA damage levels in blood from women at high risk for breast cancer are associated with dietary intakes of meats, vegetables, and fruits. J Am Diet Assoc 1998 98:524-528.)

From an analysis of 4,500 scientific studies and papers on the relationship between cancer and diet, the American Institute for Cancer Research concluded that 40 percent of cancer cases worldwide could be prevented if people ate a low-fat, plant-based diet of fruits and vegetables. (World Cancer Research Fund, American Institute for Cancer Research. Food, nutrition, and the prevention of cancer: a global perspective. American Institute for Cancer Research, Washington DC, 1997.) Dr. Gladys Block, after reviewing 170 studies from different countries, stated similarly, “Eating fruits and vegetables regularly can slash your chances of getting cancer in half.” (Block G, et al. Fruit, vegetables, and cancer prevention: a review of the epidemiological evidence. Nutr Cancer 1992 18:1-29.)

Epidemiological studies have also shown that people with high intakes of antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables have lower rates of cancer. More specifically, vegetables in the cruciferous family-cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, and others–have been shown to contain phytochemicals (compounds found specifically in plants) that speed the removal of harmful estrogen from the body when it’s fighting off breast cancer.

The research results in this area go on and on-and we have not yet even discovered all of the compounds in foods that can have anti-cancer and anti-aging effects. It seems too simple to be true, but when you realize that each fruit and vegetable contains hundreds or thousands of known and unknown phytochemicals, you can better understand the power of whole foods. It is always best to eat the whole food to get all of its synergistic phytochemicals and nutrients in nature’s normal, optimal balance.

Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin Supplement Safety

Whilst this is an article that focuses on a particular supplement, it provides excellent support to my belief (and personal and clinical practice) that the best and safest supplements come from pure extracts derived from plants or other natural organisms rather than being artificially synthesized from individual elements based on our research driven, yet still relatively limited (in comparison to the complexity of nature) understanding of nutrition.
Juice Plus can be sourced via www.juiceplus.com.au. I have used this both personally and clinically for 13 years now.
Other pure plant based extracts I use for supplements and in my clinic include Siberian Red and Bioeffective A which are derived from the needles (or active elements) of various species of Russian pine trees. Forest biochemists in Russia and the former Soviet Union, have been researching these extracts for over 70 years. See www.pineneedleresearch.com and www.pineneedleproducts.com.

From Dr. Mitra Ray

I receive many questions about the best nutritional supplements to take. People are especially curious about what makes Juice Plus+®  different than regular vitamins. I answer that question in this month’s Q and A, and provide links to some research about vitamin supplementation and women’s health.

How Safe Are Vitamin Supplements?

(And how are they different than Juice Plus®?) 

Question: Dear Dr. Ray: I’ve been hearing about the results of a recent study that show increased mortality for women taking vitamin supplements. Can this be true? And if so, why is Juice Plus+^® better than a regular multi-vitamin?

Answer: First, let me address the issue of the Iowa Women’s Health Study. The study’s conclusion was that, “In older women, several commonly used dietary vitamin and mineral supplements may be associated with increased total mortality risk. This association is strongest with supplemental iron.” Other large studies have had similar results, and indicate possible harm can result from use of multivitamins and certain other vitamin supplements.

It’s important to note that the results of this study are not cause for alarm: if you’ve been taking a multi-vitamin for years, or you’re someone who supplements with various vitamins, you’re not likely to drop dead as a result. The higher death rate associated with women who used supplements was minimal, and there were many factors that the study didn’t account for.

However – and this is a big However – what’s clear is that not enough is known about what happens to nutrients when they are isolated and removed from food. Most vitamin supplements are made from manufactured vitamins. In fact, the word vitamin is so 1950’s! A much more up to date word is phyto-nutrients (phyto meaning plant). An orange (or any fruit or vegetable), for example, has literally tens of thousands of different vitamins. All these phytonutrients work together to form a perfect food. But a vitamin supplement contains only a few of these many thousands of phyto-nutrients. The recent flurry of research is pointing to the fact that taking a handful of isolated nutrients can be harmful over time. So why risk taking something that has been isolated and removed from its original food source, especially when studies are now indicating possible negative effects?

This brings us to the second part of the question, which is about how Juice Plus+^® is different. With a whole-food based supplement like Juice Plus+^® the fruits and vegetables are ground up (much like in a Vitamix), then dehydrated in seconds using a proprietary method that keeps the phytonutrients intact, and encapsulated. These encapsulated powders contain the precise ratios of nutrition that nature intended. In contrast, vitamins are man-made chemicals that are often way out of nature’s balance, and do not have the natural synergistic effect of nature’s food.

A recent systematic overview out of the University of Toronto asked the question, “What are the possible health benefits of fruit and vegetable supplements?” Such a review uses explicit methods to identify, select, and critically appraise relevant research, and then summarize the data. There were 22 papers published on fruit and vegetable supplements, and 20 of them looked at Juice Plus+®. There conclusions were:

• The majority of the studies demonstrated that the capsules (Juice Plus+®) have high bioavailability
• The evidence indicates a positive impact on reducing oxidative stress, with significant reductions in oxidation of protein, lipids and DNA
• The majority of studies indicate effective increase in serum folate and decrease in serum homocysteine.

Antidioxidants and Endurance

The Role of Antioxidants in the Endurance Athlete

by David Phillips M.D. 

Much has been talked about in the sports and science community about the adverse affects of prolonged and strenuous exercise as it relates to the production of free radicals in an athlete’s body. What are these byproducts of aerobic exercise and why are they damaging to the human body? More importantly, what role do antioxidants play in neutralizing these damaging molecules and what can we as athletes do to facilitate this protective process?

The ‘Radical’ Concept

Free radicals are highly reactive species produced during various molecular processes in the human body. While environmental factors such as pollution, radiation and cigarette smoke can spawn free radicals, in this article we will focus on those free radicals produced during endurance exercise.

Free radicals are atoms or groups of atoms with an odd or unpaired number of electrons and can be formed when oxygen interacts with certain molecules. Once formed, these reactive radicals can start a chain reaction, similar to a domino effect. In other words, these compounds attack the nearest stable molecule, “stealing” its electrons in order to gain stability. When the “attacked” molecule loses its electron, it becomes a free radical itself, beginning a chain reaction. Once the process is started it can cascade, resulting in the disruption of a living cell. Free radical damage not only contributes to accelerated aging, it also causes damage to immune cells. It’s not uncommon for endurance athletes such as triathletes or marathoners to have a higher incidence of colds and upper respiratory infections after competition and intense training. Free radical damage to cellular DNA plays a significant role in the evolution of certain cancers, heart disease and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Exercise and Oxidative Damage

Endurance exercise can increase oxygen utilization from 10 to 20 times over the resting state and up to 100 to 200 times in working muscles. This greatly increases the generation of free radicals via oxidative metabolism in skeletal mitochondria. Fortunately, the body has an elaborate antioxidant defense system that utilizes dietary intake of antioxidant vitamins and minerals as well as our body’s own enzyme systems to decrease concentrations of the most harmful oxidants in tissues. Regular endurance training has been shown to enhance our internal antioxidant defense system, these changes of which occur slowly over time and appear to parallel other adaptations to exercise. When free radical production exceeds the ability of antioxidant enzymes and nutritionally obtained antioxidants to neutralize them, oxidative stress results. So, what can we as endurance athletes do to minimize the damage caused by the inevitable overflow of free radicals during training and competition?

Fruits and Vegetables: The Power of the Pyramid!

A recent change in dietary intake of fruits and vegetables by the USDA has placed a greater emphasis on increasing our daily consumption from the previous 5-7 servings a day to 7-9 servings and up to 13 servings or more for endurance athletes! Vitamins C, E, and beta carotene are the primary vitamin antioxidants. Previous research looking into the effects of supplementing our diets with these isolated nutrients has yielded equivocal results. Once thought to be beneficial to cardiac health, isolated vitamin E supplementation has now been questioned. Beta carotene supplements have been shown to increase lung cancer in smokers as well as contribute to thickening of the lining of arteries.

Recent studies now point to the synergistic role of numerous antioxidants obtained from the consumption of whole foods such as fruits and vegetables. Therefore, a diet rich in naturally occurring antioxidants appears to outweigh the risks inherent to supplementing one’s diet with isolated laboratory made supplements. Furthermore, various key trace minerals such as zinc, selenium and manganese found in naturally occurring foods are needed for the proper functioning of various endogenous antioxidant enzymes.

Training Right, Eating Right:  Final Thoughts

The endurance athlete faces a challenge of balancing daily aerobic exercise with preventative measures that minimize the damaging affects of oxidative stress.  Clearly, fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants are vital to this balance. Many of us may find it difficult to consume the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables to achieve this balance. For those who are unable to take in enough daily produce, cryoevaporated fruits and vegetables in capsule form, such as Juice Plus+ (see www.timaltmanjuiceplus.com.au), make it possible to supplement what we are not able to consume when we visit the salad bar. Antioxidant supplementation helps to bridge the gap between what we eat on a daily basis (what we know we should be eating!) and the optimal amount of phytonutrients needed to combat the damaging effects of oxidative stress.

As endurance athletes, it is important to be aware of not only the benefits of aerobic exercise but the potentially negative aspects training and racing can have on our bodies and long term health. Finding a healthy balance between training and proper nutrition will go a long way in promoting longevity in any endurance athletic activity.

David Phillips, M.D. graduated in 1984 from Harvard University where he earned academic honors and was an All-American swimmer.  He received his medical degree from Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio.  After practicing as an emergency room physician, Dr. Phillips shifted his focus to sports medicine.  He has competed individually in national and international triathlons including the 2005 Ford Ironman World Championships, and qualified as a member of Team USA at the 2008 International Triathlon Union World Championships in Vancouver.

Healthy Christmas

Cranberries and Christmas

Whilst we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving or eat pumpkin pie as much as the Americans do, we do eat turkey (particularly at Christmas time) and we often with cranberry sauce. This article written by an American, Kimberley Day, shows that the humble little cranberry is far more than a great tasting supplement to turkey or as a juice. It is commonly known that cranberry juice is fantastic in treating urinary tract  infections, but it can do far more than that also…………….Providing further evidence that the medicine of the future will be the food we evolved on in the past.

Traditional Thanksgiving food may be a powerful defense against cancer

Most people have pretty strong feelings about their Thanksgiving meal. It almost always includes turkey, followed closely by stuffing, mashed potatoes, and some kind of vegetable casserole. And, of course, pumpkin pie.

Then there’s the sometimes controversial issue of the humble cranberry. Some like it canned and gelatinous, while others like the homemade variety. And some don’t like it all.

Little does this group know what they are missing out on. Not just the great taste of cranberries, but the amazing health benefits that seem to be packed into this unassuming little berry.

Berry Beneficial

Cranberry is most often studied and recommended for treating urinary tract infections (UTIs). In fact, it has been become almost commonplace to use cranberry juice and cranberry supplements to prevent UTIs caused by E. coli bacteria.[1]

Given this accepted use of cranberry to treat a bacterial infection, it’s no surprise that additional studies have shown the berry’s power to treat bacteria-based periodontal diseases,[2] as well as H. pylori,[3] a bacteria that has been linked to ulcers and even stomach cancer.

But it’s this cancer tie that really has researchers atwitter. Turns out cranberries contain a rich store of polyphenols, which are nutrients that have amazing antioxidant benefits. Plus, they have several other phytochemicals known to help treat and prevent cancer.

But how do they work against cancer? That’s exactly what one researcher from the University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth set out to discover.[4]

Cranberries and Cancer Prevention

After reviewing nearly 40 different studies on cranberries and cancer, the author found that there are three main phytochemicals that seem to be responsible for cranberry’s anti-cancer power:

• Proanthocyanidins (powerful antioxidants)
• Anthocyanins (anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory)
• Ursolic acid (anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative)

In vitro studies (think in the lab) have shown that proanthocyanidins (PACs) have blocked the growth of cancer in human lung cells, colon cells, and leukemia cells.[5] Similar in vitro studies have found that PACs induce cell death, particularly with breast cancer,[6] colon cancer,[7] brain cancer (of the glial cells),[8] oral cancer,[9] ovarian cancer,[10] prostate cancer[11] and esophageal cancer cells.[12]

The anthocyanins found in cranberries appear to reduce inflammation, which is commonly associated with cancer risk. Additionally, these anthocyanins have been shown to block an enzyme (ornithine decarboxylase) that is known to promote cancer growth.[13] Plus, anthocyanins limit angiogenesis, or the growth of new blood vessels.[14] This is important because cancer needs this growth to spread.

But the real hero in cranberries just may be ursolic acid. This little-known nutrient has been shown to be cytotoxic toward cancer cells.[15] In fact, an in vitro study found that PACs and ursolic acid from cranberries brought on cell death in colon cancer cells. But, more promising, is that an in vivo study found that ursolic acid decreased the size, weight, and eventually presence of breast cancer cells in mice.[16]

Back to the Dinner Table

Given the known power of cranberries to fight bacteria and infection, and the promising research surrounding cancer and this little berry, it only makes sense to have cranberries play a larger role in our diet. But the form matters.

I’m not talking about jellied or fresh (we’ll get to that in a minute); I’m talking berry versus juice. In short, skip the juice. Not only is it often sweetened, but the whole fruit has a higher amount of ursolic acid than the juice.

Now, back to fresh versus jellied. While jellied is better than juiced, you still have the sugar issue.

So, for your Thanksgiving Day table (and throughout the year), think berry.

November 17, 2011 | By Kimberly Day, Contributing Editor, Peak Health Advocate

Organic Farming

Organic Farming V Convential Farming

As a Melbourne naturopath that believes in the value of natural products, Tim Altman has never doubted the benefits of organic farming which are then passed on to the public. This is why he is more than happy to share latest US research that dispels some organic farming myths.

Read this fantastic organic farming newspaper article that shows just how organic farming is the way to go over conventional farming methods. If you have ever had any doubts, doubt no more.

Focus on Allergy Sufferers

A Focus on Allergies, Sinusitis and Hay Fever

Now that Spring is here there are plenty of people seeking out a Naturopath to get treatment for hay fever, allergic asthma and sinusitis. The latest edition of Focus On takes a detailed look at these health issues that are a major cause of discomfort for many people especially during Spring and ways to help allergy sufferers breathe easy.

• Focus On: For the more technically minded

If you are an allergy, sinusitis or hay fever sufferer make an appointment with Tim Altman, your naturopath South Yarra, South Melbourne and Torquay. He will investigate how to incorporate nutrition, detoxification and breathing retraining with nutraceutical remedies such as Metagenics to prevent or treat sinusitis, hayfever and asthma and achieve a fantastic level of overall wellness and health.

Allergies, Hayfever and Sinusitis

Fast Facts: Allergies, Hayfever, Sinusitis

Current News, Events and Tips

Does paracetamol really reduce fever?

Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used drugs in the Western world. It is used as an effective pain reliever and it is also widely used to reduce fever, especially in infants. So how effective is paracetamol for reducing fever? Paracetamol’s mean antipyretic effect is only 0.24°C, which is insignificant compared to an infant’s overall temperature. Therefore, there has been some questions raised regarding the efficacy of paracetamol as an antipyretic agent.

Fever helps heal.

As any Natural Medicine Practitioner will know, fevers can actually speed up recovery¹, but high temperatures do need to be closely monitored, particularly in children. Antipyretic strategies should be employed when fevers exceed 39°C in children and 40°C in adults.

Could paracetamol cause allergies?

An analysis of 205,487 children aged 6 to 7 years from 31 countries found that the use of paracetamol in the first year of life and in later childhood is associated with increased risk of developing asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema.² Furthermore, overuse of paracetamol may reduce antibody-mediated antimicrobial responses and actually prolong infections.¹

References

1. Warwick C. Paracetamol and fever management. J R Soc Promot Health. 2008;128(6):320-3.
2. Beasely R et al. ISAAC Phase Three Study Group. Association between paracetamol use in infancy and childhood, and risk of asthma, rhinoconjunctivitis and eczema in children aged 6-7 years. Lancet 2008. 372(9643):1039-48.

Sinus Congestion and Hayfever

Sinus Congestion and Hayfever

With winter almost over, some recent warmer weather has given a reminder that spring and warmer times are rapidly approaching. Whilst spring can be a beautiful time of year in Victoria (for both weather and the fillies and fashion!!), it is also the time of year that  hayfever, sinusitis and allergies are at their peak.

These ailments can turn a beautiful time of year into a very uncomfortable time. Unpleasant symptoms such as sneezing, sinus congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, headaches, persistent coughs, wheezing and skin irritations are experiences that many people, despite going to great lengths to avoid, simply have to put up with.

But there are many natural preventative and treatment strategies that can make this spring and enjoyable one.

• Wellness Review, Sinus Congestion and Hayfever

In addition to reading the Wellness Review (above) on hayfever, sinusitis and allergies, we can offer several highly effective approaches to treating these conditions or, even better, avoiding them altogether. Make an appointment to see Naturopath, Tim Altman in South Melbourne, South Yarra or Torquay. Take a look at clinic times to see what days he is in each location.

Focus on Preconception Care

Fast Facts – Preconception Care

Current News, Events and Tips

• A male factor is involved in up to 50% of clinical infertility cases, making preconception care for both partners absolutely essential for the best chances of achieving a successful, healthy pregnancy.
  (Ref 1)
• Proper development of the placenta is largely dependent on the expression of genes from the paternal chromosomes, further supporting the role of the male for optimal pregnancy outcomes.
  (Ref 2)
• Infertility is estimated to affect 15 to 18% of couples in Australia.3 While this is an alarming statistic, it is important to remember that many risk factors for infertility, including obesity, toxicity, stress, and oxidative damage, are modifiable through dietary and lifestyle intervention.

Read the complete Focus On: Preconception Care article  

References

1. Kumar S, Mishra VV. Review: Toxicants in reproductive fluid and in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcome. Toxicol Ind Health. 2010;26(8):505-11.
2. Miozzo M, Simoni G. The role of imprinted genes in fetal growth. Biol Neonate. 2002;81(4):217-28. Review.
3. Rayner JA, et al. Australian women’s use of complementary and alternative medicines to enhance fertility: exploring the experiences of women and practitioners. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009; 9:52.

Supplements Colds and Flus

Supplements for Cold and Flus

Been exposed to more than your fair share of cold and flus this winter? This month’s Wellness Review focuses on natural supplements, herbs, nutrients, vitamins and some diet and lifestyle changes that could give your immune system the boost it needs.

• Wellness Review, 1 August 2011

You could also make an appointment with Tim Altman, your Naturopath in South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and South Yarra to say goodbye to colds and flus.

Weight Loss Case Studies

Weight loss, or more precisely, fat loss is one of today’s most widely marketed, yet thoroughly confused, health interventions. Current affairs television, magazines, pharmacies and newspapers peddle the latest, greatest revolutionary pill that will shed kilos or cm off your waist in record time. Yet for every quick fix there is always a down side or a catch that winds you back where you started (or worse). Many people end up thoroughly confused, frustrated or despondent.

In order to achieve long lasting weight loss or fat loss it is important to understand the biochemical, physiological and hormonal mechanics of why we put on fat or find it so hard to get off and keep off.

These case studies outline the main principles that underlie the extremely simple and effective fat loss program that I use and give you information to help you understand and take responsibility for your own progress. Two examples are given to illustrate what can be achieved.

Weight Loss Case Studies

We don’t aim to break world records. But we do aim to make the fat loss permanent.

The True Energy Drink

The use of caffeine both in sport or for general/everyday use has received a lot of mixed press over recent years. Whilst research is unequivocal that caffeine is a very effective means of increasing energy levels, endurance and alertness in the short term, there are also definite downsides from regular use including a wash-out of effects and a range of symptoms relating to caffeine intoxication – including and especially fatigue. It is definitely not the answer to maintaining energy levels and alertness on a day to day basis. And should never be used to achieve this function.

In this article I look at the pros and cons of using caffeine and outline how to make the most of its effects without incurring its downsides.

I discuss another, more holistic, way of viewing the issue of maintaining day to day energy levels and why these fluctuate or become drained over time.

And finally, look at an excellent alternative to caffeine for regular use that may increase energy levels, endurance & stamina and boost the immune system; but does not have a down side to regular use.

This ‘TRUE ENERGY DRINK’ provides an excellent solution for the problem of maintaining day to day energy levels without harming the body in the long term. And it allows users to make the most of the benefits of caffeine by using it the right circumstances at the right frequency.

Download the True Energy Drink article.

The Problem With Sugar

The presence of sugar and refined carbohydrates in the modern Western diet represents one of the two major deviations that entered into our eating patterns compared with what we ate a few hundred years ago. The other deviation is the introduction of over 60,000 different chemicals into the food chain over the last 100 years.

Research has found that both of these deviations have had serious implications to our overall health and wellbeing. We will focus in this article on ‘the problem with sugar’.

As a species, most of our evolutionary history (approx 1 million years) involved eating only what we had access to from the land or water i.e. the Paleolithic diet. So our systems have developed or evolved to function ideally based on what we were exposed to in the environment. Our diet consisted of fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, meat or flesh when we could find it and we drank water. The only access to sugar we had came from some fruits.

Grain as an edible food source came into our diets 5,000 to 10,000 years ago representing, at best, 1% of our evolutionary history. Whilst we have adapted to some grains, this is a very small fraction of our evolutionary history and therefore grain should contribute only a very small portion of our dietary intake and source of fuels.

Furthermore, wheat as an edible grain has only existed for a few hundred years and white flour, or refined grains (including white rice) have only come into existence in our diets over the last hundred years.

Download the entire article, The Problem With Sugar

To work out how to create an ideal eating plan for yourself that optimises energy production, cellular function and body composition refer to the ‘Optimal Performance Nutrition’ e-book on our online shop or book a personal consultation with Tim.

Try some Sauna Therapy

I had a very healthy morning this morning. Starting with a 45 minute meditation, followed by a 12km paddle on the river, then a sauna and finished with a beautiful organic breakfast. I feel amazing.

My immune system has been the most robust it has ever been since I began having regular saunas (I try for 2 per week) about 2 years ago. Interestingly, the only period in this time I experienced a cold or flu was when I stopped them for a couple of months.

Hippocrates, the forefather of modern Western medicine said: ‘Give me the power to induce a fever, and I shall cure any disease.’

He was a clever fellow. I agree with him wholeheartedly. It is a highly under-rated modality or health measure in Australia.

For more info on saunas and sauna therapy take a look at the Pine Needle Research website or take a look at some Pine Needle Products.

PS: For those who accuse me of stealing the Hippocrates quote from this site – I wrote most of the content for these sites anyway. So I can steal from myself!!!!

CapnoTrainer® Biofeedback Technology

The latest chapter in the Breathing Dynamics modality ‘CapnoTrainer® Biofeedback Technology’ is now on the site for your information. Capnometry is the science of measuring partial pressure of CO₂ during respiration. This is not new technology and has been used extensively in hospital operating theatres and ICUs. Due to the vital role of CO₂ in respiration, and in blood chemistry (especially maintenance of correct blood pH), it must be monitored to ensure that it remains in the correct ranges for ideal body function. The CapnoTrainer® is a small and highly portable capnometer that, via software provides real time information on breathing efficiency.

Take a look at the complete article, if you have any questions regarding CapnoTrainer® Biofeedback Technology and other aspects of the Breathing Dynamics modality, phone Tim Altman on 0425 739 918.

Winter Nutrition for Paddlers and Athletes

Winter Nutrition for Paddlers

I recently wrote an article for the Outlaw Paddling monthly newsletter. It looks at winter nutrition for paddlers, however it really pertains to all athletes.

Nutrition Tips to Train Through Winter

Nutrition plays a vital role in staying healthy and energetic during the colder winter months including prevention of illness, warming the system and making sure you are putting the right fuel into the tank.

Below are some tips to keep those winter cold and flus or the winter blues away:

• Eat regular, smaller meals that have a source of protein in each meal – the regular meals, and especially the protein, will keep basal metabolic rate (our internal fire) up and keep insulin levels low so you produce energy more efficiently and don’t put on too much fat. In addition, the presence of protein in each meal, will promote the production of satiety that make you feel fuller for longer.
• Get fuel for energy from fibre and nutrient dense sources of carbohydrates: i.e. fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds, and some WHOLE grains. In addition, these nutrient dense (and unprocessed) sources of fuel are rich in nutrients including vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which assist with energy production and provide a huge boost to your body’s immunity.
• Many people use cold and flu shots as a preventative over winter. In my opinion, if you focus on good nutrition, you will get better results anyway. As well as have more energy. However, if you find this difficult, then consider the shots as an option.
• Have 1-2 small serves of grain per day and make sure they are WHOLE grains – most wholemeal and multigrain bread is still mostly white flour. When you take the brown bit off flour or rice you remove all of the fibre and most of the nutrients which will impair energy production and function of all cells – including immune system function and recovery from training. So refined carbohydrates are essentially sugar in disguise – or empty calories that don’t give much back in return. They should be avoided!!
• Grains will be 100% whole grain only if it says it is – don’t assume. 100% whole grains options for bread, pasta, cereals etc can be found in health food stores or the health food section of supermarkets.
• Eat plenty of essential fatty acids – from fish, nuts and seeds, avocado, tofu and soy products and some oils (olive oil and many nut and seed oils). These help to increase muscle production and reduce body fat. Plus they are essential in energy production, reduction of inflammation and the function of the immune system.
• Have lots of warming foods to keep you warm and keep the circulation flowing: i.e. warming herbs and condiments (pepper, cayenne, chilli, ginger, garlic, turmeric etc), soups, herbal teas, casseroles etc.
• Whilst caffeine can be helpful during an event, more than one to two coffees per day can make you pay energy wise. It exacerbates fluctuating blood sugar levels (which need to be kept constant to maximise energy production) and is a central nervous system stimulant, so it will drain you over time if you rely on coffee or those evil energy drinks to keep you up.
• Use a good quality supplement(s) based from whole food or plant extracts. Many multivitamin/mineral supplements that are synthetically produced are not readily bio-available to the system so, whilst the label says they are potent in lots of goodies (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants) they also have fillers etc, and you will end up urinating most of these ‘so-called’ goodies out without ever receiving the benefit of them to your system. Most of us have experienced the smelly yellow-orange wee after taking vitamin-mineral supplements. Well, that’s where the money you have spent is going if you don’t get a good quality supplement.
• As our digestive systems evolved over a million or so years by exposure only to whole foods (except for the last 100-200 years or so) these are easily digested and assimilated and you will get full benefit from the nutrients contained in them. Examples of whole food or plant extract supplements would be Juice Plus, Vital Greens, fish oils, herbal extracts such as Siberian Red, Olive Leaf Extract, Echinacea etc.
• My ideal supplement protocols for maximising cellular health, energy production and immune system function is as follows. I developed and followed this protocol over many years since having recovered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

1. Juice Plus – high potency pure fruit and vegetable extracts. They replace the multi-vitamin/mineral supplements. Bioavailability is excellent and research has found that levels of major vitamins and antioxidants increase considerably after having used this for a month or more. See more info on Juice Plus. Users of this report fewer incidents of colds and flus and less fatigue.

2. High potency, high quality fish oils including EPA and DHA: i.e. Metagenics, Bioceuticals or Ethical Nutrients. The oil is better than capsules as it is far more potent – so find one that tastes ok and mix it in with your smoothies or salads. 95% of the Western population is deficient in Omega 3 essential fatty acids.

3. Bioeffective A – an antioxidant and antimicrobial (including antibacterial and antiviral) extract from Russian pine needle species that is also terrific for liver regeneration and support. Great for digestive health and liver health and preventing colds and flus. Available in some health food stores or at Pine Needle Products.

4. Siberian Red – a pure liquid extract (non-alcohol based) from Siberian Fir tree needles. Siberian research found this excellent as an antioxidant and adaptogen (which helps increase the body’s ability to cope with stress produced by training load, winter coldness or psycho-emotional stress) It is great for reducing fatigue and enhancing endurance and stamina. It also a potent source of highly bio-available iron for a plant source.

Available from Pine Needle Products