Milk Boost Biscuits

These delicious biscuits are great for boosting breast milk production and are quick and easy to make for new mums short of time. Healthy as well as perfect for a drop in blood sugar! Courtesy of Melanie Koeman.

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1.5 cups brown/ rapadura sugar or 1 cup of raw honey/maple syrup
4 Tbsp water
2 Tbsp flaxseed meal
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 1/2 cups wholemeal wheat or spelt flour
1 tsp salt
3 cups rolled oats
2 generous Tbsp brewer's yeast
Optional: 1 cup raisins or chopped prunes

Directions:
Preheat oven at 180 degrees C. Put all all dry ingredients together and mix well. Melt butter gently and poor into dry ingredients with eggs, water and vanilla. Mix well with wooden spoon. Line baking dish with baking paper or rub with butter. Scoop or drop mixture onto baking sheet in round balls and press down lightly with fork. Bake for 10-15 minutes depending on size of biscuits.

By Claudette Wadsworth

BHSc, BA, Adv DN, Nut D, DRM, PostGrad NFM, MATMS, MNHAA

Naturopath, Nutritionist, specialist in Women's Health and Fertility

Bondi Junction 02 9389 3689 and Sydney CBD 02 9268 9000

info@claudettewadsworth.com.au

Spring Baby

From nappy rash to changing sleep patterns and introduction of new foods, mothers with 6-12 month old babies often have to learn new strategies, just when they think they have the routine down pat.
Just like us, babies are individuals so I always encourage mothers to try a number of approachs to see what works best for their baby.

Sleeping Through The Night

1. Learn tired signs – None of us like being kept awake when we are craving sleep, so rather than waiting until your baby is ‘past it’, put her/him to bed as soon as they show sleepy signs, such as losing interest in people and toys. If you miss this window of opportunity, your baby is likely to become grumpy and find it difficult to settle.
2. Introduce bedtime rituals – Bedtime routines can become cues that help babies wind down and become conditioned to fall asleep, e.g. a warm relaxation bath (in an adult bathtub) just before bedtime.
3. A magic touch – Silent nights could be at your fingertips: Research from Miami University showed that babies and toddlers who were massaged daily for one month, for 15 minutes prior to bedtime, fell asleep more easily by the end of the study.
4. Cut caffeine – If you are breastfeeding, caffeine can create a vicious circle: You drink coffee (or tea or cola) to give you a hit, baby gets a boost of stimulant through your milk-and becomes restless.
5. Leave her a little bit of Mum – It’s not exactly a substitute for you, but if you slip your own soft, unwashed tee-shirt over baby’s mattress, she/he will be comforted by your familiar smell as they sleep.
6. If your baby wakes at 5am – check they are not too cold by dressing him/her in another layer of clothing and you may find he/she now sleep all the way through until 7am! (4 – 5 o’clock are the coldest pre-dawn hours.)

Craving For Food

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age but most mothers introduce solids when their baby reaches for their dinner! So long as it has been blended or pureed, generally babies can eat a variety of foods. If there is a history of allergies in the family eg. asthma, eczema, hayfever or food reactions, eg. coeliac, or lactose intolerance it more important than ever to delay the introduction of foods that commonly cause allergies until 12 months of age. These include wheat, cows milk, seafood/shellfish, egg whites, corn, chocolate, peanuts/peanut butter, oranges/OJ, strawberries/kiwi fruit, nuts, tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum, soy products/milk/tofu, dried fruit, sultanas, Vegemite, ham, bacon, fruit juice, cordial, margarine. Breastfeeding up to 12 months of age, which is recommended by the World Health Organisation, has been shown to give the baby some protection against developing allergies. If allergies persist or it is becoming too difficult, come in for a consultation as I have lots of effective remedies and dietary suggestions.

Nappy Rash

Most parents spend hours researching the best pram or cot but few do any research at all about nappies and yet it is the most used piece of baby equipment in the household. It is also the closest thing to your baby’s skin all day and night for years. Chemicals from the nappy itself, especially disposable nappies and nappy liners, contain a cocktail of gels that absorb the wee and poo as well as containing bleaches, dyes, plastics, dioxins and synthetic materials. Cotton is also one of the most highly sprayed crops in the world with residues still found on cotton clothing. As a result, organic cotton nappies are becoming highly sought after. Detergents, soaps, skin creams and fragranced, alcoholic wipes can irritate the skin, especially if there is a family history of skin allergies such as eczema.

• Keeping nappy area dry is crucial so change nappies often and if using pre-moistened baby wipes which leave the skin wet, causing extra friction, pat dry with a tissue.
• Let your baby play or lie in the early morning sun with its nappy off for sunshine and fresh air.
• Nappy rash can be caused an acidic diet which produces acidic urine. Wheat is the most common allergen of all grains and is very difficult for babies' under-developed digestive systems. Avoid wheat until 12 months of age.
• Use environmentally friendly, skin sensitive washing powder.
• If using formula, add 1/4 teaspoon of baby probiotic powder such as lactobacillus to improve digestion.
• Once the skin is open and raw, it usually becomes infected. I recommend a Calendula cream. 

For more recommendations and remedies I would love to meet your baby in my clinic!

By Claudette Wadsworth

BHSc, BA, Adv DN, Nut D, DRM, PostGrad NFM, MATMS, MNHAA

Naturopath, Nutritionist, specialist in Women's Health and Fertility

Bondi Junction 02 9389 3689 and Sydney CBD 02 9268 9000

info@claudettewadsworth.com.au

Spring Allergies

Spring arrived early this year and unfortunately this was marked by the worst season for allergies due to the dry conditions. Whether the culprit be dust mites, pollens, grasses, pollutants or foods, these allergens trigger the production of antibodies known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). These IgE antibodies trigger the release of copious amounts of histamine and inflammatory chemicals. This results in the annoying symptoms of allergy such as runny itchy nose, watery eyes, irritated throat, skin rash and asthma.

Just as we need to spring clean the house once a year, spring is when the body needs a clean out as well to decrease the toxic load. Natural remedies work well to improve drainage and circulation of sinus/nasal passages, improve immunity, decrease allergic response and membrane inflammation.

• Reduce Phlegm: avoid dairy, sugars, soy milk and alcohol which all produce excess mucous and phlegm.

• 2 Day Juice Detox: try drinking only water, freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices for 2 days. Sip on fresh ginger slices in hot water or fenugreek, peppermint or chamomile teas. Squeeze ½ lemon into your water jug/bottle.

• Natural Antibiotics: eat as much onions, garlic, ginger, chilli, horseradish as you like, or other people can tolerate! These are a natural antibiotic and decrease inflammation. A wonderful disguise for children or adults who do not like the taste is to slice an onion and pour a tablespoon of raw honey over the top. Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container and in 24 hours you have a sweet antibiotic syrup. A teaspoon/day of the liquid syrup helps kill any germs!

• Increase Your Vitamins: take Vitamins C, A, Bioflavonoids and Zinc in one tablet or formula together daily. This will boost your immune system as well as decrease swelling of the sinus/nasal passages. 

• Herbal Magic: my favourite herbal mix for allergies includes Echinacea, Eyebright, Golden Rod, Golden Seal and Albizzia. These herbs decrease the allergy response and speed your recovery. 

• Sinus Drainage Massage: 10 drops of eucalyptus or chamomile essential oils into 10ml rosehip/olive oil and massage around sinuses, inside nostrils, base of nose 2x day for 3 days. 

• Steam Inhalations: add 6 drops of oils above to a bowel of hot water/bath/hot shower or to palms of hands & cup over nose. 

• Salt Water Wash: mix ½ tsp of sea salt to 1 cup water and use a dropper or neti pot to wash out your sinuses. Swimming in the ocean will have the same effect!

• Exercise: regular exercise that is stimulating and FUN helps unclog sinuses, increases circulation and reminds us to enjoy life! 

Hopefully these handy hints provide relief. Otherwise book in for a individulaised consultation.

By Claudette Wadsworth

BHSc, BA, Adv DN, Nut D, DRM, PostGrad NFM, MATMS, MNHAA

Naturopath, Nutritionist, specialist in Women's Health and Fertility

Bondi Junction 02 9389 3689 and Sydney CBD 02 9268 9000

info@claudettewadsworth.com.au

Coconut Chicken Breast On Roasted Sweet Potato With Greens

A delicious Spring recipe to awaken your taste buds and energise your mind in preparation for Summer. Courtesy of Gratitude Gaia Cookbook by Dan Trewartha, 2013.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 4 Chicken breasts
• 6 star anise
• 200ml chicken stock/water
• 100ml fish sauce
• 1 litre of coconut milk
• 2 red chillies sliced (seeds removed if less heat is required)
• 2 x 5cm pieces ginger, sliced
• 2 spring onions, sliced
• 12 kaffir lime leaves, crushed
• 2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
• Green vegetables of your choice e.g bok choy
• Lime wedges, coriander leaves, sprouts

Method

1. Divide coconut milk and aromatics in half. Place one half in a pot with chicken stock or water and the other half in an ovenproof baking dish. Marinate the chicken in the baking dish, coating well with all ingredients. Leave chicken for as long as possible or overnight.
2. Bring the sauce ingredients in the pot to a simmer over medium heat. Turn heat to low and simmer for half an hour.
3. Meanwhile, roast sweet potato in a 180 degrees oven for 25 minutes, or untill tender.
4. Roast chicken breast in the baking dish at 180 degrees for at least 20 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile, slice and wash green vegetables and blanch in boiling water.
6. Place sweet potato in warm bowls. Top with green vegetables and chicken and spoon sauce around bowls. Scatter with fresh coriander and sprouts, serve with lime wedges on the side.

By Claudette Wadsworth
BHSc, BA, Adv DN, Nut D, DRM, PostGrad NFM, MATMS, MNHAA

Naturopath, Nutritionist, specialist in Women's Health and Fertility
Bondi Junction 02 9389 3689 and Sydney CBD 02 9268 9000
info@claudettewadsworth.com.au

Father's Day Prostate Health

For many years, men’s health problems have received less attention than the health concerns of women, and men are traditionally less likely to use health services, even though they are at greater risk of many health problems than women. With Father's Day on Sunday, it is a reminder for all men to prioritise their health and improve their diet and lifestyle.

At a time when the evidence supporting the health benefits of fish oils and omega-3 fatty acids is at an all time high, it certainly comes as a surprise to some to be confronted with a new study that suggests fish oils increase prostate cancer risk. A recent study that gained widespread media attention "Plasma Phospholipid Fatty Acids and Prostate Cancer Risk in the SELECT Trial" published online in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute cast doubt on Omega 3 consumption ( fish oils) in men, suggesting that it increased the risk of prostate cancer. However this trial has since been denounced due to a number of methodological flaws and has mislead the public.

Firstly, the study was not devised to test Omega 3 intake, so there was no record of dietry fish intake or fish oil supplementation in the study group. There were a number of sampling errors including measurement of phospholipids levels in plasma samples rather than red blood cell samples which is not an accurate measure of Omega 3 consumption. Finally, researchers based their conclusion on insignificant differences. As noted by the Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega 3 (GOED), " If the findings were true, then prostate cancer would be rampant in any country with high seafood consumption. ( Scandinavia, Japan, etc.) This is not the case." Males in Japan, while having some of the highest levels of Omega 3 in the world, also have some of the lowest rates of prostate cancer. Omega 3 fish oil is among the most well researched nutritional supplements with over 10 000 studies showing that it is beneficial for health. I regularly see the benefits of fish oil consumption in my patients' health, although it is essential to take a good quality supplement that has been screened for heavy metal contamination.

Some easy steps you can take to improve your diet and health include:

• Reduce alcohol consumption. Beer contains oestrogen-like and prolactin-like molecules from the herb, hops, from which it is made. Hence, the irony of men thinking they are being very masculine by drinking beer, whereas they are actually becoming more feminine! 
• Increase antioxidant foods such as blueberries, spinach, beetroot, pomegranate. All colourful fruit and vegetables contain powerful antioxidants that protect the prostate from damage and swelling. Make sure you eat a salad of dark green leafy and colourful vegetables every day. 
• Eat lots of anti-inflammatory foods such as sardines, trout, blue-eyed cod, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and ground flaxseeds.
• A fat-soluble antioxidant specifically found in the prostate is lycopene which is highly concentrated in tomatoes. Tomatoes yield more lycopene if cooked and are best eaten with oil to help absorb this fat-soluble antioxidant. Examples of such foods are tomato soup, grilled tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and basil, or tomato paste.
• Try a healthy drink of freshly squeezed carrot and beetroot juice, green tea or a whole juiced orange daily.
• Regular moderate exercise with stretching or yoga is essential to increase the circulation through the pelvis and for stress management. 
• The joy of sex. Excessive ejaculation causes a deficiency of zinc due to loss via the sperm, while a total lack of ejaculation causes accumulation of testosterone in the prostate. It is all about moderation!
• For smokers, quit smoking because the cadmium in cigarettes displaces zinc, causing zinc deficiency which is implicated in prostate cancer. Smoking is also toxic not only to the lungs, but has been shown to contribute to prostate enlargement ( BPH) and prostate cancer. 
• Avoid radiation from mobile phones by not wearing one on the hip or belt, right at the level of the prostate/testes. Mobile phone radiation has been found to specifically affect the hormonal glands.

There are many herbal and nutritional treatments for the prostate including Saw palmetto, zinc and selenium that are frequently prescribed by urologists in France and Germany. I urge all men to come in for a health check up and keep their prostate in good nick!

By Claudette Wadsworth
BHSc, BA, Adv DN, Nut D, DRM, PostGrad NFM, MATMS, MNHAA

Naturopath, Nutritionist, specialist in Women's Health and Fertility
Bondi Junction 02 9389 3689 and Sydney CBD 02 9268 9000
info@claudettewadsworth.com.au

Yasmin Pill- Do you know what you are really taking?

The bestselling contraceptive pill called Yasmin and it's sister version, Yaz, promise to regulate your periods, give you clear skin and erradicate syptoms of PMS-like mood swings. What is not stated on the packet is the high risk of blood clots, up to three times that of other contraceptives. A 2011 Danish study of 1.3 million women, conducted over nine years and published in the Britsh Medical Journal, found that a woman's risk of blood clot is six times higher when taking either Yaz or Yasmin compared to women not taking a contraceptive at all. Most women I consult are unaware of this danger. See my blog in May 2012 on the contraceptive pill.

Blood clots are lethal especially in young women taking this pill. They can either cause a heart attack, triger a stroke in the brain or blocks breathing in the lungs. Blood clots can also cause blindness by lodging in the artery behind the eyes. As of 2013, 13 500 lawsuits have been served in the USA against the manufacturer Bayer despite both these pills continuing to be available in Australia. Bayer has already paid out $720 million due to inadequate warnings of the blood clot risks. Due to current legal proceedings, Bayer Australia will not comment on these claims. Despite this serious side effect, Australia's Therapeutic Goods Administration ( TGA) has no current plans to stop the sale of these drugs.

What is also not advertised are the other common side effects of depression, anxiety and migraines which can start immediately or as a delayed reaction months after taking it. Professor Kulkarni, director of the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre at Monash University, Victoria says that this is due to the specific mix of hormones. Often women who come and see me do not realise that it could be the pill causing their depression and blame themselves instead. According to internet chat rooms, some women have found that their symptoms continue even after they have stopped using Yasmin or Yaz.

If you are experiencing any of these side effects, never fear. There are many herbal and nutritional supplements which can alleviate your symptoms and rebalance your hormones faster. There are also natural alternatives for contraception without these dangers to your health. I suggest either a Femcap which is a latex-free cervical cap or Natural Fertility Managment which involves understanding your fertile times using symptothermal charting. Both these methods are as effective as the pill when used correctly.

By Claudette Wadsworth 
BHSc, BA, Adv DN, Nut D, DRM, PostGrad NFM, MATMS, MNHAA

Naturopath, Nutritionist, specialist in Women's Health and Fertility
Bondi Junction 02 9389 3689 and Sydney CBD 02 9268 9000
info@claudettewadsworth.com.au

Energising Bliss Balls

These nutritious snack-sized treats will keep you bouncing with energy. Make a whole batch to keep in the fridge or freezer and take a couple to work or carry in your bag for a snack. These balls are full of anti-inflammatory Omega 3 oils, phytoestrogens from flaxmeal to balance your hormones, iron-rich dried apricots and almond protein to keep your blood sugars stable and satisfy your hunger! I use Australian dried apricots because they have a higher iron content than the sweet, yellow Turkish apricots.

Ingredients:
1 cup Australian dried apricots
1 cup organic raw almonds
1 Tb flaxmeal ( ground linseeds )
2 Tb tahini
1 tsp vanilla essence
Pinch of sea salt
Organic dessicated coconut for rolling

Method:
1. Soak dried apricots in water for 20 minutes and drain.
2. Blend apricots and almonds for 30 seconds untill almods are finely chopped.
3. Mix all ingredients together.
4. With wet hands, shape the mixture into balls and roll in dessicated coconut.
5. Store in fridge or freezer and let the bliss begin!

London's Secret Garden

 

On my recent trip to the UK, I discovered London's secret garden, thanks to a local friend, Joanna. Surrounded by high walls, the Chelsea Physic Garden is a 3.8-acre plot in the heart of London so you would have no idea of the oasis within.

It was first cultivated in 1673 by the Society of Apothecaries of London so their apprentices could learn to grow medicinal plants and study their uses. The site was chosen because it was on the River Thames so they had access to the river for plant-collecting expeditions. 

 
Sir Hans Sloane was a medical student in the late 17th century who studied at the garden. In 1712, he bought the Manor of Chelsea and took over the freehold of the garden. He granted the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries a lease on the land for a rent of £5 a year in perpetuity, on the condition that “it be forever...maintained as a physic garden”. Thanks to Sloane's generosity and foresight, the garden still exists today in busy London.

 

Here we see the sunny yellow flowers of Calendula which is used for healing wounds, the soft purple buds of Red Clover for reducing menopausal hot flushes and the strong bamboo-like Horsetail used for strengthening veins and a rich source of silica for hair and nails. All types of plants with medicinal or edible uses are grown here, including a modern addition of superfood plants such as quinoa, pomegranate and blueberries!

Don't miss the very old Ginkgo tree which was the first tree to regrow after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in USSR due to its highly prized antioxidant properties.

On a beautiful June summer's day with women in broad-brimmed hats studying the beds of plants, children waddling across the lawn and a man snoozing in the sun with a panama hat across his face, the scene is typically English. Definitely a London highlight for any visitor!

Roman Lentil Soup

The hearty Roman soldier carried 35 kilos plus his armour and walked 30 kilometres per day. His fare consisted of coarse bread and a porridge of lentils or millet. Lentils are perhaps the most nutritious of all legumes. They were also a favorite legume of Dr. Weston A. Price, author of the infamous nutritional primer Nutrition and Physical Degeneration because of their very high phosphorous content. Phosphorous is the second most plentiful mineral in the body. It plays a role in maintaining the body’s acid/alkaline balance, something most people struggle with today given the high levels of inflammatory diseases which trace their roots to over-acidity in the body. This ia a hearty winter soup for the whole family. Make extra and take in a thermos to work or keep to heat up when you get home on a cold night. 

Serves 8

3 medium onions or 3 leeks, sliced

3 carrots, sliced

2 Tb butter

2 Tb extra virgin olive oil or organic coconut oil

8 cups of filtered water or stock

2 cups of brown or red lentils, soaked for 7 hours overnight in water (throw out the water)

several sprigs of fresh thyme, tied together with string or 2 tsp of dried thyme

1/2 tsp dried green peppercorns

1/4 cup of fresh lemon juice

sea salt or fish sauce and pepper

In a large stainless steel pot, cook onions or leeks and carrots gently in butter and olive oil. When vegetables are soft, add water/stock and lentils and bring to the boil. The lentils will produce a great deal of foam - be sure to skim it off. Reduce heat and add thyme and crushed peppercorns. Simmer, covered, until lentils are tender, about 1/2 hour. Remove the thyme. You can puree soup with a handheld blender for a smooth taste. Thin with water to desired consistency. Reheat slightly and add lemon juice. Ladle into heated bowls and serve with dollop of cultured cream.

Variation: Curried Lentil Soup: add 2 Tb of curry powder or curry paste along with thyme.

Variation: Split Pea Soup: use 2 cups of split peas instead of lentils.

Snow Is Falling!

With many of you being keen skiers, I thought a few tips to have you carving up the mountain with a grin from ear to ear is in order! Many people go to the snow and come back falling apart, either having pushed it so hard their immune systems have caved in or their bodies couldn't keep pace with the mind and they spend the next 3-6 months in rehab with injuries. Let's avoid both these scenarios! We still want to have fun and make the most of the precious time in the mountains, but pace yourself and remember there are other people on the moutnain too.

• Prepare your body to avoid injuries. Ideally you should training 2 months prior to make sure you are fit but also to have the muscle strength to protect your joints, especially your knees and ankles. It's never too late to start - work on the legs and buttocks!
• While at the snow, eat lots! You need extra fuel when in the cold to keep you warm, especially when you are burning up 100s of calories in a matter of hours. One day's skiing is probably more exercise than you would do in a week. Think hearty stews, casseroles, soups, root vegetables. Eat lots of good quality fat which provides long-lasting energy and helps insulate you in the cold: coconut oil, full fat dairy, extra virgin olive oil, oily fish such as sardines, kippers, mackerel, salmon and trout, nuts and nut butters, avocado, some good quality chocolate.
• Breakfast is the key when skiing. Having a bigger breakfast than you ordinarily would while at home, is crucial. It will kick start your metabolism to keep your energy levels running throughout the day and stops you craving sugar later so you can keep skiing longer. I usually have porridge and fruit, followed by 2 eggs and wholegrain toast!
• Food on the slopes is expensive so take snacks which you can easily fit into the multitude of pockets in your ski jacket: nuts and dried fruit, nut balls, chocolate bars - there is a reason chocolate was created in the Alps, you need the fat, a little sugar with some cacao antioxidants thrown in (avoid white chocolate which is only sugar!). Perhaps take your own sandwiches if you want to avoid queuing up for lunch.
• Try not to pump yourself full of caffeine on the long drive there and back as well as throughout the day. You will pay for it later once you are home! Take a good quality multivitamin with you to keep you boosted instead.
• Drink water! Everyone forgets in the cold but remember you are working hard, losing fluid in sweat as well as the indoor heating drying out your skin.  Every time you stop for a break, grab a bottle of water or refill your own. If you're too cold, ask for a cup of hot water or herbal tea. 
• Sunscreen is a must in the snow. The sun is much harsher up in the mountains, especially with the reflection off the snow. I use sunscreen plus zinc on top to protect my face. A heavy moisturiser is also essential once you come off the mountains for the day as the air is thinner and central heating is drying. Coconut oil works well as it is quite thick and is great for your skin.
• A good quality Magnesium supplement helps replenish your msucles after working out all day, reduces cramps and replaces your electrolytes. Take each afternoon as soon as you come off the slopes and remember to stretch!
• Avoid binge drinking. Being higher in altitude, alcohol will affect you faster. Try a herbal tea to warm you up and hydrate you first before heading onto the booze. Pack some tea bags to take with you. Not to say that isn't lovely to unwind after a day's skiing with a couple of glasses of wine over dinner, even better if you are sitting around a fire!

• If you're having trouble with your circulation in the high altitude, Gingko biloba increases the peripheral circulation to the brain and extremities.
• If you are skiing for a week or more, take a day off to rest or finish early before you become tired and accidents happen. There are always beautiful walks in the mountains, stretch out your body with a few laps in the local swimming pool, rejuvenate your muscles with a massage, or curl up by the fire with a good book. 
• As thrilling as skiing is, it's also a dangerous sport. Wear a helmet - it keeps your head warm with air vents if it's a hot day and it also means you will come off the mountain alive! Helmets are all the rage overseas and are becoming increasingly common in Australia.
• Breathe in the mountain air! Have fun, laugh and play - no need to prove you're the fastest or most radical skier on the slopes. Come home invigorated and smiling!

TGA Advertising Proposals - Urgent Submissions Needed

A TGA proposal is currently underway to amend regulations on advertising therapeutic goods to the general public. This will also restrict Naturopaths and Herbalists so I encourage everyone who has benefited from seeing myself or another Naturopath to enter their own submission as it is open to all members of the general public. The consultation document can be found at http://www.tga.gov.au/newsroom/consult-advertising-ris-130531.htm Concerns regarding this proposal relate to Point 7 (pg 28) Advertising directed to health professionals and Proposal 6 (pg 42) which relates to this. Submissions on this consultation are due by this Friday July 19. 

What Are The Issues?

The proposed changes affect what advertising material product suppliers will be able to supply to the general public. The general intention of these changes is to better protect the public, and some of the suggested changes are positive. However, the proposed changes will mean that it is ok to provide information to a nationally registered health professional, regardless of whether or not they are trained in prescribing those medicines, and excludes health practitioners (including Naturopaths and Herbalists) who are not registered under the Australian Health Practitioners Regulatory Authority (AHPRA). Under Option 2 of Proposal 6, Naturopaths and Herbalists are considered general public and not health professionals. Therefore, we will not be able to access advertising material or technical research information on the products that we are prescribing to patients.

Public safety

Currently practitioners receive important technical information on efficacy and safety of listed therapeutic goods from companies both in written material and via face-to-face seminar activities that comprise a portion of continuing education for the profession. Such activities encourage not only the updating of knowledge vital for safe professional practice but also employ critical analysis of research, sharing of professional knowledge, and promote professional behaviour such as adverse reaction reporting. All these elements contribute to public safety. 

What can I do?

Download a proforma letter you can use to respond to the TGA advertising consultation. This letter is based on the NHAA (National Herbalists Association of Australia) submission. It is suggested that you personalise it if you have anything further to add. However, bear in mind that the TGA will not consider emotive responses so please stick to the facts and keep it simple.

IMPORTANT: For your submission to be accepted, you need to follow the "How to Respond" instructions on the TGA website at http://www.tga.gov.au/newsroom/consult-advertising-ris-130531.htm#respond

TGA Proposal Proforma Patient Letter

Your name

Your street address

Your suburb & postcode

Today’s date

Advertising Consultation

Recalls and Advertising Section

Office of Product Review

Therapeutic Goods Administration

PO Box 100

WODEN ACT 2606

Re: Advertising Consultation

As a member of the public who is/has been a patient of the naturopath, Claudette Wadsworth, for x years and has received significant health benefit from her practice, I want to express my concern about the proposed regulation of advertising of therapeutic goods to consumers and the effects of the proposed changes on the professions of Western herbalists and naturopaths.

Western herbalists and naturopaths currently hold TGA exemption from Part 5-1 of the Therapeutic Goods Act; this allows them to receive technical information from companies regarding herbs and supplements regarded as tools of trade for these professions. It has been noted that proposal 6.2 will have a detrimental impact on the practise of Western herbal medicine and naturopathy, and proposal 5 will also have a deleterious impact should proposal 6.2 be implemented.

My concerns relate to the following proposal:

Proposal 6: Advertising directed to health professionals

Option 1: Status quo - maintain the current system.

Option 2: Update the exemption for health professionals in section 42AA of the Act to only recognise health practitioners regulated under the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law.

Either the current list of health professionals should remain (option 1) or Western herbalists and naturopaths be added to the new list. As previously mentioned, option 2 deprives herbalists and naturopaths tools of trade to practise effectively and safely.

The potential consequences of not considering these suggestions will have an impact on the following:

Public safety: Currently practitioners receive important technical information on efficacy and safety of listed therapeutic goods from companies both in written material and via face-to-face seminar activities that comprise a portion of continuing education for the professions. Such activities encourage not only the updating of knowledge vital for safe professional practice but also employ critical analysis of research, sharing of professional knowledge, and promote other professional behaviours such as adverse reaction reporting. All these elements contribute to public safety.

Maintaining expertise: Herbalists and naturopaths currently hold expertise in herbal and nutritional medicine, in particular holding the highest qualification resulting in the prescription of herbal medicines. A recent study confirmed herbalists and naturopaths had similar knowledge to pharmacists in clinically proven benefits of herbal medicines, and significantly better knowledge than pharmacists of clinically significant interactions[1]. These findings provide evidence that contradicts the TGAs argument for excluding naturopaths and herbalists as recognised health professionals. 

Scope of Practice: The current minimum standard to practice Western herbal medicine and naturopathy is an advanced diploma. However, the professions are moving toward Bachelor degree as minimum standard, and many hold post-graduate qualifications. The professions are also moving from a mainly tradition based body of knowledge to evidence based practice (EBP)¹. This is supported by current education standards in all tertiary education sectors and NHAA course accreditation requirements for research, clinical sciences, herbal therapeutics and toxicology.

ARONAH: In 2011 an independent register The Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH), was formed to mirror the government statutory regulated boards of AHPRA. ARONAH began taking applications for registration on 1 July 2013. The main stated purpose of ARONAH is the provision of minimum education standards for herbalists and naturopaths in Australia, and it will also provide an easily transferable model of statutory registration should herbalists and naturopaths achieve registration with AHPRA. ARONAH may provide a good interim solution with regards to identifying appropriately trained herbalists and naturopaths once it is better established.

In conclusion I recommend that the TGA either maintaining the status quo (6.1) or add herbalists and naturopaths to the new exemption list as they are legitimate qualified health practitioners. To do otherwise is to add risk to public safety and adversely affect the practice of herbal medicine and naturopathy, potentially resulting in professional and financial hardship.

Yours sincerely

Your name and qualifications

---

[1] Braun, LA, Spitzer, O, Tiralongo, E, Wilkinson, JM, Bailey, M, Poole, SG, & Dooley, M. (2012). Naturopaths and Western herbalists’ attitudes to evidence, regulation, information sources and knowledge about popular complementary medicines. Complementary therapies in medicine. 2012;21:58-64.

Warding Off Winter Colds and 'Flus

Winter is definitely here and now is the time to get focused on your health so as to keep that spring in your step and smile on your face. With shorter winter days and the drop in temperature, there is every good reason to laze around and snuggle up with winter comfort foods. As important as it is to listen to our natural rhythms of the body during these cold winter months, it is also essential to nourish the body so it doesn't start lacking in vital nutrients and succumbing to colds and 'flus. When my nose started to run this week, I knew it was time to promptly put all my own advice into action!

Prevention is Better Than Cure

• Winter is the time for root vegetables, hearty casseroles, soups, porridge, bone broths and stews so pull out your slow cooker to create a feast for the week. Pile in your vegetables of every colour, protein of choice whether it be beef, chicken, fish, beans or lamb and lots of herbs and spices for a nutritious, tantalizing meal. 
• Cut back on all sugar whether it be the sugar you add to your tea or coffee, soft drinks or energy drinks, sweets, lollies, ice cream, alcohol and chocolate bars. Sugar suppresses your immune system and all viruses and bacteria feed off sugar. Hydrate your body with a hot cup of soup or herbal tea instead!
• Although the wind chill factor can be high, grab your beanie and get outside in the warm sun for a walk. Vitamin D exposure is essential for proper immune function and to lift your mood. 
• Regular moderate exercise keeps your metabolism boosted. However, avoid pushing it to extremes as too much cardio exercise can tax your immune system at this time. 
• Echinacea is a herb that boosts the first line defence of your immune system so taking an Echinacea supplement throughout winter gives your immunity an edge. There are different species of Echinacea: E. augustifolia root is the most potent species, E. purpura is the most common, while E. pallida has no therapeutic value. Echinacea tea is virtually useless as the therapeutic compounds you need are not extracted by water alone.
• I also recommend 1 tsp of Vitamin C powder each day or a hot lemon and ginger drink every morning. Vitamin C combined with a little Zinc and Vitamin A is even better.
• Swap your daily coffee for a freshly squeezed orange juice or carrot and ginger juice from your local juice bar or vegetable shop. Bottled juices have lost any therapeutic benefit in the bottling process so eat your fruit instead.  
• Keep warm. As simple as this may sound, keeping your kidneys and your chest warm ensures that vital body energy and heat is not lost and catches a chill. Grab a scarf and wind a sarong around your mid-riff for extra warmth.
• Create a positive outlook on life! Expecting the best and converting problems into opportunities is a life skill that can be learned by everyone and has been shown to raise the immune system.

Remedies to the Rescue

• Gargle with salt and water, chew fresh ginger slices, sip on hot water and fresh lemon juice. Unfortunately the squidgy bottle of lemon juice you buy in the supermarket has lost its potent vitamin C content - add lemons to your shopping list or grow a lemon tree!
• Shake a few drops of Eucalyptus essential oil or Tea Tree oil in your morning shower, a hot bath, or oil burner to clear your nose, head and chest.
• Eat as much onions, garlic and horseradish as others can tolerate from you! These vegetables are naturally antibiotic. To disguise the taste and make an effective cough syrup, slice an onion and pour 1 Tb of raw honey over it. Keep it in the fridge in an airtight container and in 24 hrs you have a sweet antibiotic syrup. One teaspoon of the liquid syrup helps kill any germs!
• If your chest, nose or sinuses are clogged up or you suffer from allergies or asthma, reduce dairy, especially milk, as it will only create more mucous.
• Chicken and vegetable soup. Revered in many cultures for thousands of years, chicken soup works wonders as the convalescent food to fortify the body and immune system. Make a big pot and take it in a thermos or lunch box to work for lunch or simply heat some up when you get home from work each night. 
• Sleep is when the body repairs itself and can channel its resources into fighting infection so sometimes we have to go home, turn off the mobile and go to bed. Allowing our bodies to rest and heal is an age old prescription that most people ignore or override by throwing back a few cold and 'flu tablets to keep working but eventually it catches up with everyone. Winter is the time when our body naturally wants to hibernate so if you can feel the onslaught coming, an early mark for much needed sleep is better than a week or two of a full blown 'flu or chesty cough and succumbing to antibiotics. 

There are now clinical trials demonstrating the positive effect of herbal medicines on the immune system by increasing Natural Killer cells, phagocytes, lymphocytes and interferons as well as demonstrating anti-viral activity. My own magic mixes usually include Echinacea, Andrographis, Thyme, Astragalus, Reishi & Shiitaki mushrooms. See your qualified naturopath or herbalist as products vary enormously in quality so you don't waste your money or your health.