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Ladies, have you done a breast check lately?

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Breast Check

When was the last time you did a breast check? Approximately 53 females are diagnosed with breast cancer every dayin Australia* (and 164 males each year*). Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it is particularly personal for us here at NNT.

This month we take special care in honouring Anna Borg, the darling mother of Candace Borg, the brains behind Northcote Natural Therapies and our Naturopath. Anna lost her very tough battle to breast cancer in 2017.  And with this month, on October 24th being the celebration of her birthday, we want to take this opportunity to remind our community of the importance of monthly self-breast checks. 

We are here to help you to understand what’s normal and what’s not for your body.  So if you haven’t performed a breast check this month, it’s time to hop to it! And don’t forget to remind all of the women in your life to do the same.

With the help of our friends from Juju, below is a quick guide on how to do a breast check at home. We have provided a clear guide of what to look out for and when to see your doctor.

How to do a breast check at home

We should all perform a breast check at home every month, from our twenties onwards. It’s recommended to check your breasts while in front of a mirror and when lying down to get a full picture. Getting to know your body is a important as it can make spotting any signs abnormalities much easier. One thing to remember is….

“breast checks are not as scary as they seem”

 

breast check

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Standing in front of a mirror, place your hands on your hips and press firmly to tense your chest muscles. Observe your breasts and nipples. Notice their shape, colour and contour. Check for any redness, rashes, swelling, dimpling or nipple discharge.

Step 2: Still standing in front of a mirror, raise your hands above your head. Take note of the same things you did in Step 1. Where there any changes?

Step 3: Feel your breasts when standing. It is recommended to do this in the shower while your skin is slippery. Use the pads of your fingers or a flat hand to press gently in a circular motion on your breasts. Do this one at a time, moving around the outside (including the armpit and up to the collarbone) and working into the centre. Observe any thickening, lumps or painful areas. If you do notice any, have them evaluated by your doctor.

Step 4: Check your breasts when lying down – this can make it easier to feel abnormalities, as the breast tissue spreads out over the chest wall. When lying on your back, place a pillow under your right shoulder and place your right hand behind your head. Use the pads of your fingers to press gently in a circular motion on your breasts one at a time, moving around the outside (including the armpit and up to the collarbone) and working into the centre. Observe any thickening, lumps or painful areas. Repeat on the left breast, and if you notice any abnormalities, have them checked by your doctor.

breast check

 

When you should see your doctor

When it comes to your breast health, it’s always better to be safe and discuss any abnormalities with your doctor. You should see your doctor if you notice:

  • New breast lumps or hardened areas
  • Breast dimpling or puckering
  • Changes in the shape or colour of your breasts or nipples
  • Persistent breast or nipple pain, itchiness or rashes
  • Nipple discharge

When do you need to get a mammogram?

From the age of 40, it’s recommended that we have a mammogram every two years. This is to check for smaller abnormalities  that you or your doctor may not be able to see or feel. In Australia, screening mammograms are provided free of charge to women over 40 every two years – depending on which state you live in.

Understanding breast cancer risk factors

The biggest risk factor for breast cancer is being female, although there are a small number of males who develop breast cancer (1 in 657). Our chances of developing breast cancer also increase with age, with most cases of breast cancer occurring in women after menopause. Family history and genetics also play a major role, as does if you have been diagnosed with breast cancer earlier in life. So if you have known cases of breast cancer in your family, this is even more reason to stay on top of your self-breast checks.

So are there any lifestyle changes we can make to lower the risk of developing breast cancer?

Yes, there are definitely things we can do to minimise our potential risks of developing  breast cancer. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight – aim to keep your BMI between18.5 to 25 kg/m2, and keep your waist circumference of below 80 cm (31.5 in).
  • Living an active lifestyle and exercising regularly
  • Limiting your intake of alcohol to no more than 1 standard drink per day
  • Not smoking

Certain hormone replacement medications are also associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor.

Be breast aware

Being breast aware and understanding what to look for during your monthly breast checks is imperative for early detection and treatment. Get to know your body, check your breasts every month and encourage all of the women in your life to do the same!

Is it time to Detox?

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Detox Detox. Most people have heard of the term. Maybe on TV, in magazines, or from your friends…..Maybe you have even detoxed yourself? But why has it become so popular and why should we detox?

What is Detoxification?

Detoxification is a process that your body undertakes every day. It is consistently eliminating stored toxins from food, the environment, from chemicals in household cleaning products and personal care. Your body’s main priority is to maintain a healthy balance and constantly return to homeostasis. Amazing, huh?

The human body has evolved incredibly since prehistoric times to adjust to the ever- changing modern world. The problem is, the toxins in our world are evolving faster than us humans.

This increase in toxic load on our system places a major burden on our body’s ability to clear out these toxins. Most of us would agree that we want to support our body to effectively and efficiently eliminate the toxins we are exposing ourselves to.

How do we know if we need to Detox?

Detoxing might be on the agenda because you want to look and feel even healthier! Or maybe you have noticed some signs or symptoms that indicate your body may be suffering from the burden of toxins and is crying out for a good detox?

Here are some signs that indicate you may need to detox:

  • Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
  • Skin problems
  • Digestive complaints
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Neurological conditions
  • Poor energy
  • Food intolerances

Factors that increase the need to detox:

  • Exposure to pollution and chemicals
  • Exposure to new cars and new furniture
  • Smoking, alcohol and coffee consumption
  • Diets high in saturated fats, refined carbohydrates, processed and packaged foods
  • Fertility and pre-conception care
  • Overweight or obesity

What’s Involved in Detox?

Detoxification Programs are very individual. They will involve reducing the toxins that you are exposed to daily and strengthening the function of your detox at the same time. This allows the organs to process and eliminate toxins stored in your body as they are being released. This is known as reducing the toxic burden and improving your toxic resistance, thereby enhancing your ability to cope with toxins. A detox can greatly improve your overall health and wellbeing.

Here are some ingredients that can help promote your detoxification abilities:

  • Milk thistle, green tea, gardenia: Stimulate the liver, enhancing the elimination of toxins.
  • Dandelion, ginger, meadowsweet: These herbs regulate healthy digestion by increasing digestive juices and enzymes.
  • Glutamine and zinc:Nutrients to protect and heal the gut.

It is important to note that there are many kinds of detoxes availableyou’re your practitioner will recommend a Detox Program that is tailored to suit your individual health needs.

Important factors to consider when Detoxing

The aim of the game when detoxing, it is to reduce the toxic load that your body s being exposed to on a daily basis. Your Practitioner will recommend a detox diet to encourage clean eating and reduce your exposure to dietary toxins. This diet will be rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, and contain alkalising and anti-inflammatory foods.

It is just as important to remove other “toxins” from your daily life that may be affecting your health. Stress is a major factor that may need addressing. As well as household chemicals, personal care items, cleaning products, and plastics used for food containers and water bottles. All these items can contain harmful toxins that wreak havoc on the body and disrupt its beautiful ecosystem. It is our philosophy here at NNT that developing and maintaining good health requires an all-inclusive approach. That is why our retail space is stocked full of chemical and toxic free cleaning products, personal care, skin care and household good that are safe for you and safe fpr the environment.

The New You

Undertaking a regular detox may enhance your health and wellbeing, improving quality of life. Many people schedule a detox every six or twelve months for optimal health to help improve the balance between your body’s toxin burden and its detox capacity. By the end of your Detoxification Program you will be looking good and feeling great.

**Disclosure** This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.

This blog was inspired and created with the assistance of Metagenics. 

 

Why carbs do not make you fat!

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Often there is a perception that carbohydrates are the enemy, it is thought that they can make you fat or prevent weight loss. Typically when people go on diets the first macronutrient to get cut is the carbohydrate. This can lead to unsustainable weight loss and yo-yo dieting. The reason why people lose so much weight when they limit carbohydrates is because for every molecule of carbohydrate there are three molecules of water, so typically you are losing water weight. New studies show that carbohydrates can be beneficial for weight loss. One study placed participants on a high carbohydrate whole-foods plant based diet (Wright, Wilson, Smith, Duncan and McHugh 2017). It was found that those who went on the high carbohydrate diet lost more weight than the group who did not. The benefits are thought to be due to the consumption of whole sources of carbohydrates (e.g. brown rice, potatoes, oats, legumes, beans); these foods are capable of balancing blood sugar levels and promoting feeling of fullness. Whole plant foods are lower in energy density but larger in volume; this means you can eat more food for fewer calories, leading to greater feeling of fullness. Typically vegetarian or vegan diets tend to be lower in calories than non-vegetarian diets (Thedford, K, & Raj, S 2011). As a result vegetarian and vegan individuals have a lower BMI than those who follow a standard Western diet (Farmer et al 2011). Funnily enough majority of their diet comes from carbohydrates, in the form of vegetables and fruits!
Carbohydrates are so necessary for life and energy. They are what fuel our energy pathways and brain function. Instead of focusing on restricting foods, aim to focus on a nutrient-dense approach to weight management. Basing your diet on whole-foods such as fruits, vegetables, starches (brown rice, potatoes, beans, legumes), nuts and seeds provides the right nutrients for your body. While you may not lose weight rapidly, weight loss may be more gradual and sustainable and is better maintained over time, not to mention your food will be more enjoyable (Berkow, Barnard, Eckart & Katcher 2010).

By Stacey Grist AKA the Plant Nutritionist

Reference:

Berkow, SE, Barnard, N, Eckart, J, & Katcher, H 2010, ‘Four therapeutic diets: adherence and acceptability’, Canadian Journal of Dietetic Practice & Research, vol. 71, no. 4, pp. 199-204. Available from: 10.3148/71.4.2010.199. [25 May 2017].

Farmer, B, Larson, BT, Fulgoni, VL, Rainville, AJ, & Liepa, GU 2011, ‘A Vegetarian Dietary Pattern as a Nutrient-Dense Approach to Weight Management: An Analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004’, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, no. 6, p. 819.

Thedford, K, & Raj, S 2011, ‘Research: A Vegetarian Diet for Weight Management’, Journal of the American Dietetic Association, vol. 111, pp. 816-818. Available from: 10.1016/j.jada.2011.04.014. [25 May 2017].

Wright, N, Wilson, L, Smith, M, Duncan, B, & McHugh, P 2017, ‘The BROAD study: A randomised controlled trial using a whole food plant-based diet in the community for obesity, ischaemic heart disease or diabetes’, Nutrition & Diabetes, vol. 7, no. 3, p. e256. Available from: 10.1038/nutd.2017.3. [14 April 2017].

 

 

 

Beat winter cravings with these delicious breakfast muffins.

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Now that the weather is significantly on the chilly side, are you struggling to leave the warm confines of your bed in the morning? I know I am. Do you find that you are rushing off to work without a satisfying breakfast because you’ve pressed snooze a couple of times too many? Alternatively, do you find it’s the afternoon snack time that you haven’t had a chance to adequately prepare for and are instead reaching for a sweet comfort food to boost your energy or make you feel warm?

As winter draws in around us, particularly if your activity levels drop off, it is not unusual to start craving more refined carbohydrates, sugary foods and heavy meals to make the body feel quickly warm. Of course, these empty foods will only provide a temporary relief, before causing rebound sluggishness, depleting the body of important nutrients and creating a cycle of continual cravings.

I have recently had a request for some recipes that are free from refined sugar but delicious enough to feel like a treat. I’ll start with this amazingly delicious and nutritious breakfast muffin offering. It pretty much is your morning muesli option in muffin form. Although of course it is optimal to sit and relax and mindfully enjoy your morning meal, it is better to have something nutritious to take with you than nothing at all. This will stop you ravenously searching for a snack attack at 10am. These also work great for an afternoon tea snack as they pair beautifully with a cup of tea. Make up a batch or two on the weekend and feel sorted for the week ahead!

As always please use this as a base recipe and adjust and experiment to your heart’s content.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of raw muesli or plain rolled oats (use millet flakes for a GF option)

    1 cup Milk (of your choice)

    2 tbsp of Apple cider vinegar

    ½ cup sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds

  • ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

1 tbs ground flaxseed whisked with 3 tbs water

  • 1 cup + 2 tbs oats ground into flour
  • ½ tsp bi-carb
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ cup butter or coconut oil (melted)
  • 1 banana mashed
  • 1/2 cup apple, grated.
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt

Optional extras:

  • If a sweeter muffin is desired, ¼ cup of currants or sultanas or frozen berries can be added to the soaking ingredients at the start.
  • I like to warm mine up by adding plenty of ground spices – 1 tsp of mixed spiced, 1 tsp dried ginger, ½ tsp of turmeric powder and a pinch of black pepper.

Method

  1. Soak the first 5 ingredients for an hour in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Preheat oven to 180°
  3. Prepare muffin trays
  4. After the initial ingredients have finished soaking, add the mashed banana, butter/oil, grated apple, and egg and mix well.
  5. Sift the flour, bi-carb, baking powder, cinnamon and salt into the bowl, and stir until just combined.
  6. Spoon into muffin trays and bake 10 – 20 muffins until skewer comes out clean.

Muffins can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days or frozen and thawed individually.

By Naabi Methé (BHSc Nat).  For more health tips, head to commongardenhealth.com

What’s with all the hype around fermented foods?

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Fermented foods are simple to make at home, generally use inexpensive ingredients, and greatly improve the nutritional intake and health outcomes of people that consume them regularly.

Long before probiotics became a buzzword, lacto-fermented (lactic acid fermented) foods were producing beneficial bacteria to aid digestion, improve nutrient absorption and support immune function throughout the world. In fact it is difficult to find a culture on Earth that does not have its own fermented delicacy, whether it is fruit, grain, vegetable, legume, dairy, fish or meat based. Hippocrates (c450 BC- c380BC) famously prescribed yogurt to his patients to cure diarrhoea and other intestinal disorders. We now know that the beneficial microorganisms or probiotics that flourish in fermented goods are largely responsible for these health benefits.

Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms or bacteria, which in the body reside in the gastrointestinal system (mouth, stomach, intestines and colon) as well as the vaginal canal. Externally, microorganisms are everywhere and consist of both beneficial bacterial species (probiotics) and pathogenic bacterial species (listeria, e.coli, salmonella etc). By ensuring regular consumption of the beneficial species and a fertile environment for them to thrive in we can ensure that the pathogenic species do not take over and cause negative health effects.

This is where fermented foods rather than probiotic supplements really come to the fore. 20-40% of selected strains of probiotics make it through the stomach into the gut, with the main obstacles being gastric acidity and the action of bile salts. Recent research shows little evidence that probiotic bacteria adhere to the mucosal walls in the intestine, so they only temporarily work on the gut before being eliminated. Fermented foods are thus a practical, simple and affordable way to regularly consume beneficial probiotic cultures.

In addition to the well-documented probiotic benefits of fermented foods, fermentation also greatly increases the digestibility and bioavailabilty (ease of absorption) of the nutrients within the ingredients making them powerhouses of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

Fermented vegetables also increase the amount of beneficial fibre in the diet. Dietary fibre is an important factor in many aspects of health, particularly lowering blood cholesterol levels; improving glucose metabolism (to provide sustained energy release and avoid sugar cravings); prevent constipation (by supporting appropriate gut motility); and providing a hospitable environment for endogenous (made within your body) beneficial bacterial species to thrive and outcompete pathogenic species.

Fermented foods such as sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, yoghurt, etc are now readily available at most grocery stores. However if you would like to learn how simple and easy it is to make your own, please consider booking into our next fermenting workshop at Northcote Natural Therapies on 13th June.

Your Fermenting Friend,
Naabi Methé (BHSc Nat).

Buddha Body Care Products at Northcote Natural Therapies

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Buddha Body Care is an Australian owned and Australian made company that is fueled by passion. Founded in 2012, Buddha uses uncompromisingly ethical ingredients, practices and sustainability to deliver simple yet luxurious vegan and palm oil free products beneficial for the mind, body and spirit. Their mission is to offer the very best quality skincare products that they can – an alchemical fusion of organic natural oils, essential oils, botanicals, clays and precious gifts from Mother Earth.

In an increasingly busy world, they offer products that will carry you away momentarily, offering a glimmer of simple indulgence. Suitable for everyday use for all skin types, each product is made with you in mind. They encourage you to delight in the joy of uncomplicated daily rituals and to nourish your skin in the best way possible.

Every day we have the power to create the world we wish to see – our actions have a domino effect. Buddha Body Care’s products support a world where women feel honored and cared for, where the Earth is respected and appreciated, and where all inhabitants are safe and free from harm. They make it easy for you to support this world also, offering luxury products that are affordable and sustainable.

Gently cleanse away dirt and grime with our French Clay Cleansing Bar, sooth and deeply nourish your skin with our Fabulous All Over Body Oil. Enjoy a moment of refreshing clarity with our Divine Cleansing Oil designed to clear the mind and clear the skin. Our products offer more than a daily regime, they are an experience in and of themselves.

Radiate and glow naturally. Support a positive movement. Join us in the world of Buddha Body Care.

Always:
~ Organic & Natural
~ Palm Oil Free
~ Vegan Friendly
~ Non Toxic
~ Essential Oils
~ Australian Made
~ Handmade

Check their products out here!

Providing you with vegan products you know you can trust,

NNT staff
xx

Could you improve your digestive hygiene?

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By Naabi Methé, Naturopath.

BHSc (Nat), mNHAA.

Digestive complaints are a common problem in our modern lives, and a regular topic of conversation in Naturopathic consultations. The complex and important mind-body connection that occurs during the process of eating and digesting means that when the mind is stressed or not present, the digestive process may be 30% to 40% less effective. This can contribute to digestive stress such as bloating, flatulence and bowel irregularities. So before you assume you have a dietary intolerance and contemplate forking out for expensive allergy testing, take a moment to consider your digestive hygiene. Digestive hygiene doesn’t refer to the amount of dirt in your food, but rather how much support you offer your body to digest appropriately. It is also sometimes referred to as mindful eating.

 

Did You Know?

  • Digestion starts with the brain and the 5 senses; specifically the sight, smell, taste and feel of your food.
  • Slowing down and giving yourself time to savour your food allows the body the chance to switch into the parasympathetic nervous system mode (PSNS) also known as the ‘rest and digest’ system.
  • The PSNS acts to slow the heart rate, redirects blood to the digestive organs and relaxes the sphincter muscles of the gastrointestinal tract to promote better digestion.
  • The sympathetic nervous system mode (SNS) is the system responsible for the ‘fight or flight’ response.
  • The SNS is activated by stress, worry, caffeine, being in a rush; basically anything that causes the heart rate to increase – for many people this can be a constant everyday experience.

 

Chew Well

Thorough chewing is important for the breakdown of carbohydrates, protein and fats in the mouth and helps to reduce the workload of the digestive organs. Proper chewing increases the secretion of digestive enzymes in the mouth, stomach and small intestine, and helps to absorb all the wonderful nutrients from your food.

 

Tips To Improve Your Digestion:

  • Slow down and sit when you eat.
  • Don’t eat while watching a screen (computer, TV, mobile) as it can increase your SNS response.
  • Take the time to savour the sight and smell of your food. This gives your brain the opportunity to send messages to your mouth and stomach to start producing and secreting digestive enzymes.
  • Take smaller bites and hold the food in your mouth for a couple of seconds before chewing to get you salivating.
  • Thoroughly chew each bite of food. This lessens the load on your stomach to further break down .
  • Savour the flavours in your food.

 

Eating mindfully does not mean that you have to eat in silence and solitude. By all means, enjoy your meals with family and friends and enjoy the benefits of mindful eating and better health together.

Nutrition in Pregnancy – what you need to know.

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Pregnancy is often the time where we pay the most attention to our nutrition. But what do we need to focus on?

Generally speaking, different coloured foods provide different nutrients. Eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans etc from each colour of the rainbow daily will provide the broadest range of vitamins and minerals. So look at your intake over the day/week. Did you consume something from each colour of the rainbow? If so, was there variety within each colour (i.e. today green came from spinach, tomorrow lettuce, the day after beans).

The most nutritious food is organic and fresh, not frozen or canned. It is a great idea to eat in season and where possible, grow your own. Even if you only have space for a few herbs, do it. You’ll notice the difference in taste when it is eaten as close to harvesting.

Fruit and vegetables hold more nutritional value if they are consumed raw, or cooked by lightly steaming, stir frying, or alternatively long cooking by stewing, or souping also preserves nutrient levels. During your pregnancy, you may find that your appetite for certain foods changes. If you don’t feel like eating, then ensure you have a protein rich smoothie. A smoothie is easily absorbed so even if you have the dreaded morning sickness and are throwing up, smoothies are a quick way of getting nutrition in before it decides to come back out.

Although all nutrients are important in pregnancy, some are more vital than others. Key nutrients to ensure you are consuming per day are;
Protein (soybeans, tempeh, nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, peas)
Folate (beans, lentils, chickpeas, spinach, artichoke, greens, asparagus, peas)
Vitamin B12 unreliable source from foods best to supplement (can be found in algae, fortified foods, plants/animal products exposed to B12 rich soil)
Iron (soybeans, mushrooms, beans, seasame, rice bran, amaranth, lentils, spinach, parsley, quinoa, sunflower seeds, oats, turmeric, tahini)
Calcium (soy products, sesame seeds, rhubarb, bok choy, spinach, beans, almonds, poppy seeds, cinnamon)
Essential Fatty Acids (flaxseed oil, seaweed, algae, walnuts, hemp seeds, chia seeds)
Iodine unreliable source from foods best to supplement (can be found in seaweed, cranberries, himalyan salt, iodised salt, potatoes, beans, strawberries)

Have any questions about nutrition or health? Head to my Facebook page.

In good health,

Candace Borg BHSc (Nat) BSc (Biomed)

Candace Borg is a Naturopath, Natural Fertility Educator, and HypnoBirthing Practitioner with practises in Northcote and Yarraville. She also offers Skype appointments. Candace is the owner of Northcote Natural Therapies which stocks environmental , ethical, vegan, and palm oil free health, beauty and home products   www.northcotenaturaltherapies.com

Wild Oregano Oil. Is it really the cure all?

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It seems that almost all products that are designed to improve the immune system and fight off bugs are now including wild oregano oil.   But why? What is so special about it? Why do many label it the ‘King of herbs’?

Firstly lets discuss some important facts about wild oregano. Oregano is a member of the mint family and is zesty, lemony and peppery to taste. There are over 60 plus species of oregano or oregano like plants but only a few of these actually contain medicinal properties. To be medicinal, the oregano species you are looking for is Origanum vulgare which is commonly known as European/Mediterranean Oregano or Mountain mint. The oregano that you purchase from the supermarket unfortunately is not one of the medicinal types.

The name oregano is derived from the Greek word ‘origanon’ which translates to ‘joy of mountains’.   Although oregano grows all over the world, it is best known in the Mediterranean and in North America growing wild in remote mountainous regions. It is the environment in which wild oregano grows that gives it it’s medicinal properties. The oil of wild oregano is produced using the leaves which are harvested when the plant is flowering. The leaves are then steam distilled to extract the beautiful beneficial properties that wild oregano oil is so well known for.

As with all essential oils, quality varies greatly depending on where the plant is grown, how and when it is harvested and how it is manufactured. All these variables affect the quantity of the four main chemical components in oregano oil. These chemical components are;

  • Phenols (namely carvacrol and thymol which are antioxidant and antiseptic)
  • Terpenes (pinene and terpinene which are antiseptic, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anaesthetic)
  • Long chain alcohols (linalool and bonreol which are antiseptic and antiviral)
  • Esters (linalyl acetate and geranyl acetate which are antifungal)

Carvarol is the primary component of oregano oil being at about 60 – 70% of the chemical component of the oil. Carvarol has been proven to be a more effective antibiotic than the strongest antibiotics known to modern medicine; penicillin, streptomycin and vancomycin.   So you may be asking why medicine doesn’t just make carvarol? Well like all plants, the whole is greater than the sum of it’s parts, meaning that the synergistic combination of these four chemicals in the ratio that nature provided is more therapeutic than any of the chemical components in isolation. Carvarol in isolation is also very acidic and burns if it comes into contact with bodily tissue. This is why all therapeutic oregano oils are diluted using a carrier oil (namely olive oil).

Ok, now that we have the bland scientific part over, lets talk about why this is oil is so great! Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics which can create mutant, antibiotic resistant bacteria, oregano oil does not do this, nor does it have any negative side effects if taken as prescribed. Oregano oil is also selective in which bugs it kills unlike antibiotics. It feeds vitamins and minerals to the good bugs that our bodies need while killing the bugs that cause illness. What a clever oil!

Wild oregano oil is rich in many nutrients namely; calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, copper, boron, manganese, vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E and vitamin B3. It can be taken internally or used externally to treat numerous conditions such as;

  • infections (caused by bacteria, fungus, parasites, moulds and viruses)
  • hormonal irregularities (period pain and menopausal symptoms)
  • headaches
  • digestive disorders (indigestion, bloating, worms, constipation and diarrhoea)
  • insect bites and acts as an insect repellent
  • inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis, muscle pain, toothaches, earaches and gum disease)
  • lung and sinus disorders (sinus pain, bronchitis, croup, asthma, coughs, colds and flus)
  • skin conditions (psoriasis, acne, athletes foot, dandruff, rosacea, oily skin and varicose veins)

Oregano oil is very effective so tread carefully if you decide to take it. To use internally, start with one drop once daily and build up to one drop four times daily, in juice or mixed with agave.   Do this for no more than 15 days at a time. To use it externally dilute one drop in a teaspoon of a carrier oil (such as olive oil) and rub this mixture over the affected area or on the soles of the feet (where it can be absorbed into your bloodstream). Remember the higher the carvarol content of the oil, the more it burns so if you feel a tingle or a slight burn when you use the oil, add more carrier oil.

Amazing how one little oil can do so much! So next time you get hit with a nasty bug, reach for the oregano oil and get well sooner.

To supplement or not to supplement, that is the question

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The answer is the same whether your diet is plant based or otherwise.

Firstly, you need have blood tests to determine your nutritional levels. Go to your local doctor and ask, in addition to the routine tests (such as full blood count, electrolyte balance, thyroid, kidney and liver function), to test for Vitamin D, Zinc, Iron Studies, Magnesium, Calcium, Active B12, Folate, Fasting Cholesterol and Blood Sugar.

When you receive the results, look at how your results correspond with the “normal” reference range. If your levels lie close to the middle of the range, there is no need to supplement with this nutrient. If your levels lie outside the reference range or at an extreme end (high or low end) further investigation is advised. Such results may indicate a current or potential illness which may require vitamin supplementation.

However, the usefulness of supplements is also dependent on how deficient you are, what your diet is like and how well your body absorbs particular nutrients. These issues should be discussed with your health care professional, who can monitor your nutritional levels during period(s) of supplementation.

Without a medical illness proving otherwise, your diet should be able to provide the vitamins and minerals you require. However sometimes you may need a little boost from a supplement until your diet can maintain these optimal levels. The exception to this rule is B12 as this nutrient can be hard to come by. For more information on B12, go to B12 INFORMATION.

Generally speaking, different coloured foods provide different nutrients. Eating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, lentils, beans etc from each colour of the rainbow daily will provide the broadest range of vitamins and minerals. The most nutritious food is organic and fresh, not frozen or canned. It holds more nutritional value if it is consumed raw, or cooked by lightly steaming, stir frying, stewing, or souping.

If you are eating a sufficient amount of nutrient rich foods and still find it hard to maintain optimal nutritional levels, it may be due to an absorption issue which should be investigated by a health care professional.

Have any questions about nutrition or health? Ask me by emailing Candace@northcotenaturaltherapies.com