My 5 year old and 2 year old children have colds at the moment; the older seems to be developing an infection. I have been giving them heaps of Vitamin C. How much Vitamin C can I give them a day?

Answer:

The Vitamin C dose for a child of 5 years old could be as high as 500mg per day and adjusted down for younger ones. Vitamin C is an important vitamin as it is essential for iron absorption and iron is essential for the immune system to function well. To avoid mild infections such as colds it is important that the immune system is functioning well. Children tend to be prone to colds due to their immature immune system, and their highly social lives.

Vitamin C dosage will depend on age/size/ dietary intake and will need to be adjusted to suit the individual child. Vitamin C is a water soluble vitamin and excess tends to be eliminated via the urine. Though if an excessive dose is given diarrhoea can result; this is not dangerous, but a warning that the dose needs to be lowered.

I would tend to ere on the side of caution and stay around 100 mg a day (which is approximately 3x the current RDA’s).

In addition there are two minerals that are particular interest when it comes to colds, i.e. mucus and inflammation. They are iron (Ferr phos) and Potassium chloride (Kali mur). Ferr phos cools inflammation and Kali mur helps eliminate mucus and glandular swellings (like the tonsillitis).

The wonderful aspect of the above minerals is they are available in a safe homeopathic form called Tissue Salts you can find more information on mineral salts here: http://www.thehealthnut.com.au/activinfo.htm

I have given these tissue salts as often as 1 tab every half hour, they are very safe and have no ‘side effects’. Ferr phos and Kali mur can be purchased individually or in a combination called “cold tabs” strangely enough .

Eucalyptus essential oil, has the wonderful property of killing off virus and bacteria, and it smells sooo good! It can be used: 3 drops in a warm bath, 1-2 drops on the pillow case, a few drops in a vaporiser in the Childs room.

When my children where small, I always had a store of remedies to combat those annoying colds and flu. Essentials in my first aid kit where: Vitamin C, cold tabs (2 bottles) Eucalyptus essential oil, and herbals to relieve the inflammations and boost immunity.

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Below we have a list of some of the common food intolerance signs and symptoms. Children’s reactions a slightly different to adults, and tend to be put in the basket of bad behaviour. Yet may times when the offending food/s are removed these same children can and do ‘behave’ well.

Adults either have adapted to their conditons or the signs and syptoms have only begun to show as they age.  Review the signs and symptoms of food intolerance to see if your health conditions could be linked to this growing problem. Check each of the major systems that tend to be affected by food intolerance.

Digestive System : Celiac Disease, Colic (in infants), Colitis, Constipation, Abdominal Pain, Diarrhoea, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Intestinal Cramps, Flatulence, Nausea, Cravings offending  foods,Halitosis (bad breath)

Metabolism : Fatigue, Diabetes mellitus Type 1, Thyroiditis, Overweight or underweight, Insulin resistance.

Nervous System:Depression, Poor Coordination, Dementia, Neuropathy, Headache, Schizophrenia (risk of), Fatigue, Compulsive or ritualistic behaviour, Anxiety, Depression, ADD/ADHD

Cardio-vascular system: Risk of anaemia, Risk of Cardiomyopathy

Sexual system:Infertility (male & Female), Leucorrhoea, Pre-menstrual Syndrome, Vaginitis

Skin:Dermatitis, Hives, Eczema

Respiratory System: Asthma, Pharyngitis (sore throat), Sinusitis

 If you have these signs and symptoms it is a good idea to get professional advice with and experienced nutritionist. Seek one that is familular with food intolerance, the many varied signs and symptoms as well as being able to guide you with an elimination diet.

An Elimination diet is one of the best ways to discover which foods are causing you problems. An experienced therapist will be able to give you a good idea of which foods are problems by the specific syptoms you have.

IGe food allergy test are a simple process where-by you can take the test at home. Send your sample (drop of blood) to an accredited lab for analysis. The results will be interpreted by your therapist.

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Signs, Symptoms, Treatment, Diet and Weight Loss.

Insulin resistance is a condition that involves a decrease in the sensitivity of the body’s cells (in fat, muscle and liver) to the action of Insulin. There is a decrease in the sensitivity of Insulin Receptors has the effect of an ever-increasing production of Insulin, at high levels could potentially be dangerous.

Insulin resistance in fat cells leads to elevated triglycerides and free fatty acids in the blood plasma. Insulin resistance in muscle cells reduces glucose uptake and insulin resistance in livers cells results in impaired glycogen synthesis.

Elevated blood fatty acid concentrations, reduced muscle glucose uptake and increased liver glucose production all contribute to elevated blood glucose concentration are believed to be the origin of metabolic Syndrome and type 2 diabetes and associated complications.

Insulin Resistance Syndrome develops over time as the body slowly loses the ability to control blood sugar levels effectively. The insulin is being produced but the cells become resistant to its action. Only significant changes to your diet and lifestyle can reverse this life threatening process.

Signs and Symptoms of Insulin Resistance

1. Fatigue
2. Brain Fogginess and inability to focus.
3. High blood sugar
4. Intestinal bloating. Most intestinal gas is produced from carbohydrates in the diet.
5. Sleepiness. Many people with insulin resistance get sleepy immediately after eating a meal containing more than 20% carbohydrates.
6. Weight gain, fat storage, difficulty losing weight. The fat in insulin resistance is generally stored in and around abdominal organs in both males and females.
7. Increased blood triglyceride levels.
8. Depression. Because of the deranged metabolism resulting from insulin resistance, psychological effects such as depression are common.
9. Increased blood pressure.

10.  Acanthosis nigricans – a brown to black poorly defined velvety hyper pigmentation of the skin. Usually in body folds such as the back of the neck, the groin, under the arm around the naval on the forehead and other areas.

Treatment for Insulin Resistance

A diet low in carbohydrates, moderate in protein and moderate in fat is an ideal diet for insulin resistance. Things to avoid are: sugar, ice cream, honey, alcoholic beverages, and fructose, artificial sweeteners. Refined products made with Gluten grains are best avoided, -wheat products including pastry, breads, pizza, pasta etc. Limit starchy potatoes, chips, and crisps (sweet potato is suitable to be included).  Avoid fried fatty foods and hydrogenised fats (margarines)

Eat more Nuts and seeds: Almonds, Walnuts, Sunflower and pumpkin (pepitas) seeds. Healthy oils such as virgin olive oil, virgin organic coconut oil should be included.  Brown rice can be included in small quantities. Non-starchy vegetables should b e planned as the main source of carbohydrates eaten raw lightly cooked.

Good protein sources are chicken, beef lamb, fish, eggs,

Consume a minimum of 8 glasses of filtered water per day (more if you are partaking in physically demanding work).

Weight Loss and Insulin resistance.

By controlling insulin resistance with a targeted diet you will find weight loss much easier and your health and wellness will improve over-all.

Katherine Sabathie-Edwards, Naturopath and Holistic Health coach has developed the Nutri-Focus Weight Loss Diet to target health problems such as insulin resistance, hormone imbalance and hidden food intolerances. Learn more here: http://www.thehealthnut.com.au/healthyweightloss.htm

Digestion holds the key to your nutritional status. You can eat the best foods on offer, but if your digestion is not working as it was designed to do, then most of this nutrition will simply go to waste.

An important facet of any weight loss diet, detox diet and especially for those who have food sensitivities is to address the efficiency and effectiveness of the digestion.

There are many herbs, supplements and probiotics that will help with improving digestion along with some common foods, one of the common foods that is good for digestion is celery.

Is Celery Good for Digestion?

Celery has a long history and in ancient times it was considered a medicinal herb to treat a variety of illnesses. Celery juice was used for ailments such as gall stones, constipation, and for the health of the liver and gall bladder.

Today it is known that celery is useful as a diuretic, expectorant, calmative, anti-asthmatic and digestive aid. Celery is a good source of Vit K, Vit C, potassium, folate and fibre. It also contains molybdenum, manganese, Vit B1 Vit B2, Bit B6, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and tryptophan as well as a natural sodium complex. This Sodium complex has the effect of reducing stomach acid levels and raising hydrochloric acid levels which in turn improves digestion.

The Health Benefits of Celery Juice

Taken in juice form the health benefits of celery are magnified, plus it’s a tasty addition to your daily juices.

• Rich source of Vitamin C
• Has a natural alkalizing effect of the body.
• Natural detox food, has excellent cleansing, diuretic and digestive aid, also it helps curb appetite.
• Cancer Prevention Studies show celery contains at least eight compounds that help prevent cancer cells from spreading
• Cholesterol- may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol according to Laboratory studies.
• Improves Digestion -also has a natural laxative effect due to the high fibre content.
• Diuretic – High in potassium and sodium which stimulate the production of urine ridding the body of excess fluid.
• Anti-inflammatory. Useful for rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis, gout, asthma, and bronchitis.
• Lower blood pressure. Studies show that drinking celery juice every day for 1 week can significantly help lower blood pressure.
• Insomnia- Being high in magnesium which helps calm the nervous system.
• Increased Sexual Drive -It is speculated that the Androsterone in Celery (when released from the male body via Perspiration) may increase Sexual Desire in women who subconsciously detect this odour.

How to Make celery part of your healthy diet.

• Fresh celery juice is both nutritious and tasty, add carrot, beet, apple and ginger for a liver cleansing, digestive boost.
• Chop it into salads
• Use it to dip into hummus or avocado dip
• Add to all your soups stews, and casseroles.

The Nutri-Focus program is primarily a nutritional program that addresses the health issues caused by food intolerances. The emphasis is on: Phase 1: eliminating intolerable foods, improving digestion, with a highly nutritious alkaline diet. Phase 2: Restoring health with specific and targeted herbals for support detoxification of vital organs such as the liver, kidney, and bowel. Phase 3: Rejuvenating vigour and resistance to future ill health.

Learn more: www.thehealthnut.com.au

Increasing the basal metabolism can help with weight loss.

Hormones
When the body’s Basal Metabolic Rate is increased, the endogenous production of Thyroid Hormones increases (conversely, when the BMR decreases, so does the endogenous production of Thyroid Hormones). We will see the importance of this later.
When we look at how to increase the metabolism we must first come to an understanding of what makes the metabolism slow down, which is often a contributor to excess weight and obesity.
Slowing the metabolism leads to weight gain.
The metabolism naturally slows down when you are sleeping. The metabolism naturally slows down with the ageing process and begins to slow after 30 years of age. Between the age of 30 and 80 years is slows by 12%. Restrictive diets, low calorie diets (this effect can be reduced with vigorous exercise) and fasting can slow the metabolism. Missing meals slows the metabolism. Hypothyroidism can cause a significant reduction in the metabolism. Obese people, have on average an 8% lower basal metabolism.

Increasing the basal metabolism is important in weight loss programs. There are a number of ways to do this:

i. Increased intake of Water may increase the body’s BMR, primarily because the body uses Energy to heat cold Water to body temperature. Begin each day with a large glass of pure water (perhaps with a squeeze of lemon juice to boost the digestion)
ii. Exercise and sunlight increase the metabolism for up to 15 hours after. Isotonic exercise increases the metabolism by burning more calories and increasing muscle mass. Increased muscle mass increases metabolism. Take a energetic walk in the sunshine and incorporate isotonic exercise into your morning routine. Then have breakfast!
iii. Do not miss meals! The most important meal of the day is breakfast, it kicks starts the metabolism after the nights rest where it naturally slows.
iv. Protein increases the metabolism by up to 30% for as long as 12 hours after ingestion. A high protein breakfast such as egg, bacon, beans or nuts and seeds is a great way to kick off the day (and boos t your metabolism). Try the Nutri-focus Super Smoothie for a quick convenient protein packed ‘yummy’ breakfast in the Freebie Nutri-Focus cookbook found here www.thehealthnut.com.au

What a wonderful way to begin the day! You feel fabulous, your skin has a fresh healthy glow, the blood and flowing through your veins and the silent magic is the metabolism has increased dramatically and the effect will last the next 12 to 15 hours. Then it will be time for bed and awaken fresh for a new day of boosting your metabolism.

Other metabolism boosters are:
• Coconut oil (also good for the boosting the immune system)
• Cooler temperatures- great as we are now moving into the colder months
• Herbals that increase the metabolism: Astragalus, Chillis, Ephedra and Rosehips (rosehip tea is available at your health store, the other herbs require a professional herbalist to prepare.)

Other important tips to remember while on a weight management program
Eat nutritious fresh and regular meals
Increase Green leafy vegetables
Increase Water intake (2+ litres per day)
Have a high quality high protein diet
Reduce sugars from: refined sugar, fizzy drinks, alcohol, breads, pastries, pizzas and carbohydrates.

For more information on the Nutr-Focus lifestyle program for weight management visit www.thehealthnut.com.au/healthyliving.htm

• Dyspraxia does not impact on intelligence, children with Dyspraxia have average or above average intelligence
• Dyspraxia can impact on behaviour and social skills
• Dyspraxia is a specific learning disability

3 Types of Dyspraxia

1. Oral Dyspraxia – Oral dyspraxia is a difficulty with planning and executing non-speech sounds, such as blowing, sucking or individual tongue/lip movements. This may indirectly affect speech and/or swallowing skills. A child with Oral Dyspraxia may dribble profusely, have difficulty licking an ice-cream and may have a preference for either soft or hard textured foods.
2. Verbal Dyspraxia – Verbal Dyspraxia is a speech disorder that affects the programming, sequencing and initiating of movements required to make speech sounds.
   Children with Verbal Dyspraxia may:
   Display highly unintelligible speech
   Simplify words eg. “bur“ for “burger
   Have inconsistent speech patterns
   Move sounds in a word eg. “tobe“ for “boat“
   Exhibit “lost“ or searching movements of the tongue and lips as they endeavour to find the position to make a sound
   Have delayed expressive language
   Adopt a complex gesture system to aid communication skills
   Have difficulty with sequencing words, and sounds in words eg. “Pataka“
3. Motor Dyspraxia – Motor Dyspraxia is a difficulty in planning, sequencing and then executing the correct movement to perform age appropriate skills in a smooth and coordinated manner at will or on command.
   Children with Motor Dyspraxia may have difficulty with:
   Learning a new skill
   Coordinated movement
   Handwriting
   Consistent performance
   Age appropriate skills
   Generalising learnt skills
   Timing and rhythm
   Learning rules
   Responding quickly
   Spatial organisation
   Problem solving
   Using appropriate cues
   Analysing what is needed for task performance
   Preparing for the next stage in task performance

Developmental dyspraxia, is not considered a medical condition, but it may be due to immature neuron development. It is a life-long condition that is more common in males than females. The concept of developmental dyspraxia has existed for more than a century, but differing interpretation of terminology remains. Current estimates range from 5% – 20% with 2% affected severely.

Therapies for Dyspraxia

Speech pathology is one of the therapies for dyspraxia. Speech pathologists may choose to follow a motor skill training approach which gets people to practice making sounds quickly and accurately, making it easier to put these in normal speech. People with dyspraxia may also need practice with listening, in order to ensure that they are not leaving sounds out when speaking.

Occupational therapy is another therapy for dyspraxia. It helps people to improve physical skills and fine motor tasks. Physical therapists can also be of help. Early intervention is important.

Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) was originally created in 1975 by Richard Bandler and John Grinder, but since that time, many others have contributed towards its growth and development. There are several descriptions of what NLP actually is, but they all agree that Modelling is a core component, that opens a window into ascertaining how people function.It explores the relationship between how one thinks (neuro) and communicates both verbally and non verbally (linguistic), and patterns of behaviour and emotion (programmes). NLP is a behaviour technique that teaches people how to change or adopt new behaviours as required and to choose mental and physical states of wellbeing. In effect, it is about knowing what is going on inside oneself and others.

Neuro Developmental Therapy (NDT) addresses the shortcomings of the vestibular system by encouraging the development of mature reflexes while the Tomatis Method of sound therapy uses specially modified music designed to stimulate the cochlear and vestibular systems and strengthen neural connections from the auditory system to the brain. The theory for using NDT along with the Tomatis Method draws on the assumption that all types of dyspraxia stem from the same source. Instead of treating each area of impaired functioning as unrelated, the Tomatis Methods aims to strengthen the structure of the inner ear while the NDT exercises revisit motor development as it ideally should have been experienced.

Naturopathic Medicine, or Naturopathy, is a practice of preventing, assessing and treating conditions of the human mind and body. By integrating conventional health sciences with a range of natural therapies and traditional medicines, naturopathy treats the patient’s mental, emotional and physical states for a lasting effect.
The foundation of Naturopathy is the philosophy of the “healing power of nature”. This means that the body has its own healing energy within and with the help of naturopathic treatment, the body can repair itself and recover from illness if it is in a healthy and supportive environment.
The Role of the Naturopath
A Naturopath aims to educate, empower and motivate the patient to assume more personal responsibility for his or her health by adopting a healthy attitude, lifestyle and diet. They do not simply treat the manifestation of a disease and its effects but rather search for the cause and treat it, rather than the effect. Prevention of disease is accomplished through naturopathic education which builds a lifestyle that supports health and wellbeing.
Benefits of Naturopathy
A Naturopath is trained to employ safe and effective natural therapies that will support and stimulate the healing power of nature in the gentlest, least invasive and most efficient manner possible. Naturopaths use a range of methods to assist in the healing process including Herbal Medicine (in this case to support the central nervous system and brain) nutrition – diet and lifestyle recommendations, vitamins and minerals, flower essences, homeopathy, hair, tongue, and nail analysis, Iridology and massage.

Naturopathic Treatments for Dyspraxia include herbal combinations that support the brain and central nervous system, nutritional guidelines to reduce ‘problem’ foods, supplements that have shown to be beneficial are recommended. Flower essences carefully chosen to support the emotional wellbeing of the individual.

visit http://www.thehealthnut.com.au to get more information on Naturopathy, Health & Well-being programs

Proper Hydration
Water is an essential and the major component of all living matter, and the largest single component of our bodies. Water is the one substance (other than oxygen) that we must absolutely have if we are to survive.

An adult can live several weeks without food, but no more than about 10 days without water

Do you have these signs of dehydration?
1. Dry, pasty feeling in your mouth, or dry lips.
2. Dark-coloured, pungent urine.
3. Dry skin.
4. Hard stool, constipation or other elimination problems.
5. Low energy and weakness.
6. Water retention.

The most obvious way to hydrate is through drink water (filtered if possible), pure/nothing added save a dash of lemon juice. Not tea/coffee/soft drink/alcohol which are all in fact dehydrating.

How much is enough? 1

The a person of around 50 kilo (130 lb) who is not hot/physically active/in a drying environment needs around 2 litres or 8 glasses of water per day. Increasing up to 50% more if you’re working hard outdoors are sick etc. Your body weight determines your hydration requirements. How far are you from your target of a minimum of 2 litres of water per day…every day?

Although most of us take it for granted, water may be the only true “magic potion” for permanent weight loss

Water naturally suppresses the appetite and helps the body metabolize stored fat. Studies have shown that a decrease in water intake will cause fat deposits to increase, while an increase in water intake can actually reduce fat deposits.

Drinking enough water is the best treatment for fluid retention. When the body gets less water, it perceives this as a threat to survival and begins to hold on to every drop. Water is stored in extracellular spaces (outside the cells). This shows up as swollen feet, legs, and hands.

The overweight person needs more water than the thin one. Larger people have larger metabolic loads. Since we know that water is the key to fat metabolism, it follows that the overweight person needs more water.

Water helps to maintain proper muscle tone by giving muscles their natural ability to contract and by preventing dehydration. It also helps to prevent the sagging skin that usually follows weight loss. Shrinking cells are buoyed by water, which plumps the skin and leaves it clear, healthy, and resilient.

Water helps rid the body of waste. During weight loss, the body has a lot more waste to get rid of – all the metabolized fat must be shed. Again, adequate water helps flush out the waste.

It began with distressing digestive disturbances, which had persisted for some time. Doctors had been consulted, medication prescribed, to no avail. Now this is not the Doctors fault, they did all they were trained to do. Finally one physician suggested exploratory surgery, to see what was going on.

One week after the surgery, which gave no conclusive results. She dropped, and had to be revived, rushed back to surgery. Opened up from the breast bone to the pubic bone..again. They found that an artery had been ‘nicked’ and her abdomen was full of blood. Yikes, that’s dangerous!

Repair work done, back to intensive care to recover. One week later down she went again, and had to be revived (this time she had a nice little chat with god). Back for emergency surgery, opened again, seems a large abscess had formed. This had to be drained over a period of time, not a pleasant experience! Back to intensive care for recovery. This took 3 months! Her very devoted husband sat by her side the whole time, giving her love and all the support she needed. He is a wonderful man. Just one slight problem, he could not go to work at the same time. 3 months pay lost.

How much is your health worth?

Finally after 7 months she was able to go home for the long slow recovery. The bills mounted, they were forced to sell their home.

How much is your health worth?

3 years later still suffering the same digestive distress she consulted a nutritionist. With just few drops of blood, food allergy test where taken. Yes, you have to pay for this allergy test and for some it seems expensive.

How much is your Health worth?

The results where clear, she is intolerant to gluten. For the past 4 years she has been avoiding gluten containing foods, and having NO digestive disturbance.

Her husband is one of the hardest working men you could meet, and at 76 years old he works full time (and overtime) at a hard physically demanding job. He does this so they can rebuild their lives and pay for their humble cottage which they purchased subsequently.

How much is your health worth?

Gluten is a very common component in most western diets. It is in wheat, rye, oats, triticale, and derivatives of these. It is used in many packaged foods as a thickening agent.

Not every digestive disturbance is due to Gluten intolerance, that’s for sure. But checking foods may just be a good place to begin when the digestion is causing grief.

Kate Sabathie-Edwards is a Naturopath; Holistic Health Coach who is conducts comprehensive telephone and internet interviews that focus on finding the cause of your health problems. Drawing on her 20+ years experience in the Natural Therapies industry she is able to offer natural safe solutions to get you on the road to recovery. Working with an accredited Laboratory, simple safe test can be recommended as needed. Visit www.thehealthnut.com.au to download the Nutri-Focus cookbook (gluten, dairy free recipes for health and healing) and make your onlineND appointment.