Stressed Parents Increase Asthma Risk

Researchers have found that children of tense parents who lived in polluted areas were far more likely to have asthma than friends in the same neighbourhood. Also, it has already been shown that women who are stressed in pregnany raise the risk of their child developing asthma or other allergies. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8158680.stm

Margarine Linked to Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Experts believe a high intake of polyunsaturated oils like margarine which have been heat treated may be implicated in a third of ulcerative colitis cases. However, a high intake of omega 3 fatty acid found in oily fish such as salmon and herring, reduced the likelihood of developing ulcerative colitis by 77%. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8161616.stm

A Kidney Stone's No 1 Enemy

The single most effective way to prevent and treat kidney stones is to drink enough water. The number one risk factor for kidney stones is dehydration, as it prevents your urine from dissolving minerals and acid salts. Check this by looking at the colour of your urine: ideally it should be a light yellow; if it's dark yellow or even orange, you need to drink more water!

Exercise Fights Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common form of chronic liver disease in developed countries. It is associated with obesity, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, and is characterized by elevated liver enzymes. Increasing physical activity leads to health benefits that are independent of changes in weight. To read more, http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/122241401/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Doula Testimonial

Having experienced a Doula for the birth of our second child, we employed Claudette as a Doula for the birth of our third child and she far exceeded our expectations. Claudette brought a wealth of practical knowledge, along with incredible emotional and physical support throughout the whole process. Her knowledge of women's health needs and how best to support those needs through pregnancy and birth and beyond was a wonderful addition to her natural calm, kind and compassionate nature. Claudette was available yet never intrusive. We feel very fortunate to have had Claudette help us bring our little Charlie into the world as naturally and calmly as possible. Thank you Claudette!
Judith Hocking & Masahiro Takatsuka, Marrickville, Sydney

Testimonial

4 years ago Claudette gently encouraged me to shift my priorities so that I have completely changed my diet and lifestyle and have never been happier. Claudette arms her clients with the knowledge they need to help themselves, giving them information of areas to further their understanding of what may be affecting them.
Thanks Claudette for all your help.
Louisa Curtis, UK

Is Milk the Best Source of Calcium?

A recent study claims that young adults are not drinking enough milk, media reports alleged. But according to the study’s lead author Nicole Larson, the focus on the study was on calcium, not milk. The words "milk" and "calcium" are often used interchangeably in the press. However, yogurt has more calcium than milk and is easier to digest. Collards and other greens also have about as much or more calcium than milk by the cup. Greens, unlike milk, have the added benefit of vitamin K, also necessary for strong bones. Sesame eg. tahini is also very high in calcium.To read more, http://www.livescience.com/health/090624-milk-myth.html

Australian Alcohol Industry Rejects GE Foods

06 July 2009

Leading Australian wine writer, Max Allen, and award-winning wine-maker from Margaret River, Vanya Cullen, joined Greenpeace to launch the first Alcoholic Drinks Edition of the Truefood Guide. The guide helps consumers avoid buying alcoholic drinks and foods that may contain genetically engineered (GE) ingredients. To read more, http://www.truefood.org.au/newsandevents/?news=55

12 Additives To Remove From Your Diet

To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/14/12-Food-Additives-to-Remove-From-Your-Diet.aspx

Aspartame (Equal & Nutrasweet) Linked to Leukemia

In 2005, a rigorous three year study on 1,800 rats concluded that Aspartame (Equal & Nutrasweet) causes significant increases in lymphoma and leukemia and is a multi-potential carcinogen. To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/07/14/Study-Links-Aspartame-To-Leukemia-and-Lymphoma.aspx

Venezuela Bans Coke Zero

CARACAS, June 10 (Reuters) - The Venezuelan government of U.S.-critic President Hugo Chavez on Wednesday ordered Coca-Cola Co to withdraw its Coke Zero beverage from the South American nation, citing unspecified dangers to health.To read more, http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N10470891.htm

PSA Prostate Test Contentious As Saves Not Many Lives

Report in The New England Medical Journal of Medicine & study by the National Cancer Institute show PSA blood test, used to screen for prostate cancer, saves few lives & leads to risky & unnecessary treatments for large numbers of men. Cancer experts now say men should carefully consider the possible risks before deciding to have the PSA test. To read more, http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/NEJMoa0810696

Alcohol & Prostate Cancer Link

Research by scientists from Australia, USA & Canada shows men who consume 2 alcoholic drinks a day increase their risk of prostate cancer by 20%, at 3 drinks the risk is 25%, 6 standard drinks is 35%, 8 drinks is 45%. Findings back the new alcohol consumption guidelines of the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Daily Sex Boosts Sperm Quality But Reduces Count

Dr David Greening, from Sydney IVF, speaking at the European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology: 8 in 10 men in the study showed a 12% drop in sperm DNA damage (morphology) after 7 days of daily ejaculation. However, there was also a big drop in sperm numbers (count) from 180 million to 70 million, so this would not be recommended for males with a low sperm count to start with. Sperm also became more active with a small rise in motility. The theory is the longer sperm are in the testes the more likely they are to accumulate DNA damage from free radicals and the warm environment could also make them more sluggish. He warns that having daily sex for too long - say a fortnight - would probably cut sperm numbers too much but recommended daily sex around the time the woman is ovulating. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8125934.stm

Your Diet can Reduce Risk of Prostate Cancer

Researchers conducted an evidence-based review of dietary recommendations in the prevention of prostate cancer as well as in the management of patients with prostate cancer. The consumption of tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, green tea, and vitamins including Vitamin E and Selenium seemed to lead to a decreased risk of prostate cancer. Consumption of highly processed or charcoaled meats seemed to be correlated with prostate cancer. To read more, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090603103811.htm

"Elite Cyclists" Risk Infertility

Researchers found that sperm quality drops dramatically with rigorous training in professional cyclists. The Spanish study of top triathletes found those who cover more than 186 miles (300km) a week on their bikes have less than 4% normal looking sperm. Heat from wearing tight clothing, friction of the testes against the saddle, pressure on the prostate gland and stresses on the body from the sheer amounts of energy needed to do such rigorous exercise, all contribute to poor sperm quality. Antioxidants to counter these effects was suggested and modifying training regimes to aid recovery. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8124458.stm

Natural Cleaning Products for your Home

Green cleaning can be very inexpensive and easy! To read more, http://foodmatters.tv/_webapp/How_to_Keep_Your_Home_Clean_Naturally

No Rush to Lose Extra Baby Kilos

Trying to copy celebrities who are back in skinny jeans weeks after giving birth is unrealistic and dangerous, new mothers are being warned. It can take women six months or even a year, not weeks, to shed the weight they put on in pregnancy, say experts. Crash diets and intensive exercise programmes are not only likely to fail but can harm mother and baby.To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8114262.stm

Turneric in Curry Eaten Once a Week Helps Prevent Dementia

The key ingredient is curcumin, a component of the spice turmeric. Curcumin appears to prevent the spread of amyloid protein plaques - thought to cause dementia - in the brain. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8080630.stm

Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

Simply drinking more water helps keep your kidneys flushing and prevent stones from precipitating out. In the Middle East, kidney stone rates are nearly double what they are in the U.S., due to the warmer climate. A 1999 South African study found that drinking soft drinks increases the risk of kidney stones as is a diet high in sugar and processed salt. To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/06/23/Who-Knew-Preventing-Kidney-Stones-was-This-Easy.aspx

Green tea 'slow prostate cancer'

A chemical found in green tea appears to slow the progression of prostate cancer & reduces PSA levels as well as the known benefits to heart disease, cancer & Alzheimer's disease. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8108831.stm

ADHD drug Ritalin associated with Heart Attacks in Children

Stimulant drugs such as Ritalin commonly given for ADHD are associated with an increase in sudden unexplained deaths in young people aged 7-19 years, according to a retrospective case-control study published online by the American Journal of Psychiatry. The American Heart Association recommended in April 2009 that children routinely be given electrocardiograms before receiving drugs for attention deficit /hyperactivity disorder.

Anti-Cancer Boost from Whole Carrots

The anti-cancer properties of carrots are more potent if the vegetable is not cut up before cooking, research shows. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8101403.stm

Men Warned of Cancer Risk Unless they Improve their Diet & Lifestyle

The reluctance of men to adopt a healthy lifestyle and visit the doctor may be fuelling a gender gap in cancer cases and deaths, experts say. Among cancers which affect both sexes, men are 60% more likely to develop the disease and 70% more likely to die from it, Cancer Research UK said. There is no known biological reason for this but it may be because women take better care of themselves, they said.To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8097639.stm

Obesity Operations Raise Fracture Risk

People who have obesity operations, such as gastric bypasses or banding, double their risk of suffering fractures, US research suggests. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8091014.stm

What Exercise Reduces your Cancer Risk by 40%?

Muscular strength gained by resistance training or weight training at least 2 days a week reduces cancer risk by 40%. To read more, Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention 18, 1468, May 1, 2009

Nasal Irrigation to relieve Sinus, Hayfever, Allergies

Before reaching for expensive medicated allergy remedies, try nasal irrigation that is easy, gentle, inexpensive and really works: washing out your nasal passages once or twice daily with warm salt water to remove irritants such as pollens, dust, mould, etc. You can purchase a bulb syringe, the traditional Ayurvedic neti pot or a modern, easy-to-use, natural nasal wash bottle: http://www.nasopure.com/t-TheNasopureExperience.aspx

Could your iPhone be the most dangerous mobile phone yet?

Brain cancer recently surpassed leukemia as the number 1 cancer killer in children. Dr Charlie Tia, preeminent Australian neurosurgeon, believes a significant contributing factor in the exponential increase in pediatric brain tumors is excessive exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMF) and electromagnetic radiation (EMR) from mobile phones and other electrical and electronic equipment and appliances. iPhones seem to be the worst offenders because even when you’re not using your iPhone but have it on, it still operates as a base station, transmitting radiation to; you tend to use your iPhone more than other mobiles due to their amazing plethora of applications; data waves from iPhones affect your biology, altering intercellular communication. To read more, http://products.mercola.com/blue-tube-headset/?source=nl

Daily Probiotic Supplements Reduce Infantile Eczema & Allergy by 58%

A new study has found daily probiotic supplements like acidophilus and Lactobacillus reduced eczema (atopic dermatitis) and allergies in babies and children by 58% when given to the mother for the last trimester of pregnancy and the baby's first 6 months of life. To read more, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19392993?ordinalpos=1&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

Fish oil can Prevent and 'Halt Eye Disease'

According to findings published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology, Omega-3 fats found in fish like mackerel, sardines, trout, cod and salmon appear to slow and even halt the progress of both early and late stage macular degeneration (AMD). Research found that omega 3 oils cut the risk of getting AMD by a third as well as benefiting patients who already have the disease. It was suggested people should eat oily fish at least twice a week. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8088860.stm

Alzheimer's & Dementia Linked to Vitamin D Deficiency

Although it is hard to believe that Australians would be deficient in vitamin D given our neverending sunshine, many clients on having a blood test are actually very deficient as they work inside all day. Recent studies have correlated vitamin D deficiency with increased risk of Alzheimer's disease as well as with cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, depression, dental caries, osteoporosis, and periodontal disease. To read more, http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp/Alzheimer%27s%20and%20Dementia%20Linked%20to%20Vitamin%20D%20Deficiency

Drinking Soft Drink Can Paralyze You

Excessive soft drink consumption can lead to anything from mild weakness to profound muscle paralysis, doctors are warning. This is because soft drinks can cause blood potassium to drop dangerously low, reported in the International Journal of Clinical Practice. They cited an Australian ostrich farmer who needed emergency care for lung paralysis and a pregnant woman who developed an irregular heart beat due to soft drink consumption. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8056028.stm

The Telegraph May 19, 2009

The International Journal of Clinical Practice May 13, 2009; 63(6); 833-835

Apple Cider Vinegar Reduces Diabetes , Insulin Resistance & Helps Weight Loss

In 2004, the American Diabetes Foundation found in a study that 2 Tb of vinegar before meals significantly increased insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin and glucose spikes after meals in both diabetic, prediabetic and healthy groups which in turn resulted in significant weight loss. To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/06/02/Apple-Cider-Vinegar-Hype.aspx

Children who get Flu Vaccine have 3x risk of Hospitalization for flu

The inactivated flu vaccine does not appear to be effective in preventing influenza-related hospitalizations in children, especially for children with asthma. In fact, children who get the flu vaccine are 3x at risk of hospitalization than those who do not, according to new research from the International Conference of American Thoracic Society, 19 May 2009. To read more, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519172045.htm

Eating Curry may help ward off Alzheimer's Disease

New research highlights the antioxidant effects of turmeric found in curry powder and paste so that regular curry eaters have a decreased prevalence of Alzheimer's Disease later in life. It is also very protective of your liver! To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/health/8080630.stm

Where does your Fish oil come from?

Most Australian Omega 3 oils come from farmed fish which is quite low in the active constituents EPA and DHA. In the Australian newspaper on 26th May 2009, it was reported that toxic agricultural chemicals have been detected in a Queensland hatchery that "has been plagued by dead and deformed fish". The chemical sprays come from the local macadamia farm. This is why it is essential to take only wild caught, molecularly distilled, sardine and anchovy Omega 3 oil that I prescribe, not commercial/retail fish oil.

Doctors now warning patients to avoid Genetically Modified foods

More and more doctors are prescribing GM-free diets as "animal studies indicate serious health risks including infertility, infant mortality, immune problems, accelerated aging, insulin regulation and changes in major organ systems and the gastrointestinal system" with pregnant women and babies the most likely to be adversely affected. Link provides download to GMO-free shopping guide pocket book: unless it says organic or GM-free, avoid all soy, corn, cottonseed, canola oil, sugar from sugarbeets. To read more, http://www.foodmatters.tv/_webapp/The%20Truth%20Is%20Out%20on%20Genetically%20Modified%20Foods%20-%20And%20It%27s%20Not%20Pretty
Sign the petition to government to have GM labelling on foods: http://www.truefood.org.au/OurRightToKnow/

Child Diabetes (Type 1) cases to double by 2020

Researchers from Ireland and Hungary published in The Lancet say genetics cannot account for the rapid rise and lifestyle factors such as rapid weight gain early in life, foods with a high content of sugars, bottle-fed babies (breastfed babies have decreased risk), babies born by Caesarean section, children of older mums all increase the risk. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/health/8068941.stm

Natural Pet Health Care

Finally everything you've wanted to know to optimize your pet's health and longevity. To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/healthypets/home.aspx

Breast Cancer Deception

An eye-opening report on breast cancer that is a must read for all women, including

• Breast cancer is 90% preventable through deliberate changes in foods and lifestyle.
• Chemotherapy only works on 1 - 2% of breast cancer patients.
• The No. 1 cause of breast cancer is chronic vitamin D deficiency. Get a blood test by your GP.
• Ten women are harmed by mammography for every one woman who is helped by it due to the radiation and tissue damage.
• Countless false positives happen every year. You should always get a second opinion for a cancer diagnosis.
• Many of the largest breast cancer non-profit organisations/charities are fronts for pharmaceutical companies manufacturing and selling chemotherapy drugs.

To read more, http://www.naturalnews.com/Report_Breast_Cancer_Deception_0.html

How Safe Is The Pill?

Studies in recent years have found that birth control pill use increases risk of cervical cancer, increases risk of breast cancer in pre-menopausal women, increases risk of blood clots and stroke, lowers bone density causing thinner bones and greater risk of osteoporosis later in life, impairs muscle gains in women, interferes with a protein that keeps testosterone unavailable leading to long term sexual dysfunction including decreased desire and arousal, increases artery plaque build-up that raises risk of heart disease. To read more, http://www.livescience.com/health/090507-sos-pill.html and http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/30/How-Safe-is-the-Pill.aspx

Probiotics During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Help Women Lose Weight

Women given supplements containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium from their 1st trimester of pregnancy until they stopped exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months were associated with less central obesity, defined as a body mass index (BMI) of >30 or a waist circumference of >80 cm. Previous research from 17th European Congress on Obesity in Netherlands May 6-9 2009 found that microbial populations in the gut are different between obese and lean people and that when obese people lose weight their microflora changes. Microflora in obese people are much more efficient at extracting calories from food, thus contributing to weight gain. Research shows probiotics given in pregnancy and infancy help protect babies from developing eczema, prevent childhood allergies, optimize infant's weight later in life, reduce colic (decreasing crying times by 75%), reduce risk of premature labour. To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/30/The-Newfound-Link-Between-Probiotics.aspx

Top 10 Healthy Foods that won't Break the Bank

"I can't afford to be healthy" is a poor excuse with these top 10 inexpensive healthy foods:
1. Eggs - even free range is $1.10 per serve
2. Turkey - cheaper than chicken and good protein
3. Oats - low GI, about 28c per serve!
4. Canned beans eg. kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils $1.50 per can
5. Apples - see earlier article for their antioxidant value
6. Asian greens - Bok choy, choy sum, Chinese cabbage, about $1.50 per bunch
7. Red Lentils - about $2 for a whole bag, no need to pre-soak, add to soups, stews, casseroles
8. Pumpkin - lots of betacarotene, low GI, cheap!
9. Raw walnuts - seem expensive at $6 for 250gm bag but daily serve of 30gm is 76c so they work out cheaper than potato chips and very high in omega 3 oils
10. Raw almonds - as above with walnuts, high in calcium too
To read more, http://www.thefoodcoach.com.au/articles.asp?ArticleID=587

Middle Age Abdominal Fat linked to Frailty Later in Life

A Finnish study published in the European Heart Journal of more than 1000 men found the highest risk of death and illness in those who put on weight in their 40s or middle age. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/low/health/8063140.stm

New Sweetener Erythritol in VitaminWater Drinks

If you look at the ingredients of VitaminWater owned by Coca Cola, you might think it is moderately healthy. However, you will also notice that it is loaded with crystalline fructose, sucrose and a mysterious product called Erythritol. Basically a lot of sugars and not much health benefits! Erythritol is a sugar alcohol with fewer calories than sugar because it is not completely absorbed into the body which can lead to abdominal gas and diarrhoea. To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/26/What-is-Erythritol-Doing-in-Vitamin-Water.aspx

Tuna is Getting More Toxic

The rate of mercury contamination and other Pacific fish has increaed 30% since 1990. The increase is a direct result of China's rapid industrialization, with mercury content expected to increase another 50% by 2050 if China continues to build more coal-fired power plants. The data comes from a new study by the USA Geologic Survey.
For more information, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/21/Your-Tuna-is-Getting-More-Toxic.aspx

Some Baby Foods are Worse than Junk Food

Some baby foods contain as much sugar and fats as chocolate cookies or cheeseburgers. The Children's Food Campaign (USA) examined the nutritional content of 107 baby and toddler foods and found many contained 29% sugar, trans fats (linked with heart disease), high in salt. Even some of the organic baby foods either were high in salt, packaged in plastic containers containing BFAs, were very expensive. They noted there is one option that is affordable, tasty and healthy: making your own. For more information, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/05/21/Some-Baby-Foods-are-Worse-Than-Junk-Food.aspx

IVF twins 'sicker' in early life

Experts suggest that IVF tiwns face more health problems in early life than naturally conceived twins. A study found that these babies were far more likely to be admitted to neonatal intensive care and to be hospitalised in their first year of life. For more information, http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8057210.stm

Women 'fight off disease better'

A Canadian study indicates that the female sex hormone oestrogen gives women's immune systems added bite at fighting off infection. Oestrogen seems to counter an enzyme that blocks the inflammatory process.
To read more go to: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8047321.stm

An Apple a day really can keep the doctor away...

In the latest scientific review on apples, apples are shown to be protective for cancers of the colon, lung and breast - as well as to reduce the risk of heart disease, asthma and type 2 diabetes. The high antioxidant capacity of apples is believed to be one of the reasons for their impressive disease fighting potential.

To read more go to http://www.thefoodcoach.com.au

Poor Diet, Low Exercise Leads to Breast Cancer in Later Years

Naturalnews.com, Monday, May 04, 2009 by: David Gutierrez, staff writer

A poor diet and a lack of exercise in childhood significantly increase a girl's risk of breast cancer later in life, according to the findings of a study conducted by researchers from the European Cancer Prevention Organization, presented at the conference of the European Society for Medical Oncology and published in the journal Pediatrics.

Vitamin D hope in prostate cancer

Vitamin D is an effective treatment for some prostate cancer patients, say UK researchers. To read more, http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/2/hi/health/8017323.stm

Sports drinks corrode your teeth

Dental experts placed teeth in sports drinks and in water to compare the effects, and they found the sports drinks caused corrosion that could result in severe tooth damage if left untreated. Brushing teeth immediately after the drinks would actually compound the problem, because the citric acid in the drink softens tooth enamel, leaving it vulnerable to abrasive brushing. To read more, http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2009/04/23/Sports-Drinks-Rot-Your-Teeth.aspx