An Introduction to Homeopathy & Herbal Medicine

Here is a little more information about my top five first aid remedies for mothers and babies as discussed at the talk at Constantiaberg Hospital yesterday morning

• Chamomilla (Matricaria recutita)

Neglect of this Blog and New Health Rules Series

As you can see from the previous post, I have been neglecting this blog for a while. Well all of that changes from today! I will be posting a series of "Health Rules" on an at least weekly basis. These are simple suggestions and motivators that can really help you to improve your health. I hope they stimulate some changes and debate...

Healthy Food Pyramids - what proportions you should REALLY be eating...

Grains: are they really that bad for you?

Many South Africans have been interested in Professor Tim Noakes' recent writings about the evils of refined carbohydrates and grains in particular for many people. For a long time, I resisted the idea that grains (and wheat in particular) could cause so many health problems.  I had the feeling that, if you went to see a practitioner with 'alternative' leanings, you would undoubtedly be told to cut wheat out of your diet... it was as if there was an unwritten code amongst homeopaths, nutritionists etc.  I rebelled against this one-size-fits-all approach.  Then I discovered Tim Ferriss' amazing book The 4-Hour Body.  His "Slow-Carb" diet requires you to cut out everything from your diet that is 'white or can be made white'. Quite simple really! When I changed my diet and when I stick to it (!) I notice a definitely change in my energy levels, focus and most importantly body composition - less fat more lean! For me, this diet is close to what Tim Noakes is talking about, close to the Paleo Diet and close to what Weston-Price suggested.  I have noticed that when certain patients cut out grains, they feel MUCH better, and I know that this is an effect of then cutting out the food rather than some other intervention, as when they lapse and eat grains in any quantity, their symptoms return - often very rapidly!

So, if you have any allergic condition (asthma, hayfever, eczema) or any digestive or skin complaint, or are diabetic, have metabolic syndrome or any autoimmune disease (RA, SLE etc), then give a grain-free diet a try. 

What should you eat and what should you avoid?

Cut out all grains and potatoes. This means NO pasta, rice, cereals, bread or pastries, chips etc.

It really is as simple as that! You do not NEED pure carbohydrate foods in most circumstances. 

Instead, eat lots of vegetables, some protein at each meal (eggs, fish, poultry, red meat, cottage cheese, nuts and seeds, beans), oils and only a little bit of fresh seasonal fruit - particularly berries.  Do not drink fruit juice! Never ever eat margarine - use butter from grassfed cows or cold pressed seed oils instead.

I am sure you will feel better for it! 

If you are still not sure of what to do, buy The 4-Hour Body or Tim Noakes' book or see a practitioner who is well versed with these dietary changes and can help you with an individualised plan.

Help for Winter Immune System Problems and Infections

This winter, treat and protect yourself and your family against colds, influenza, sore throats, sinusitis, coughs and all the usual Winter problems with homeopathy and herbal medicine. Individualised homeopathic and herbal treatment as provided by a homeopath or phytotherapist is the best, simplest and safest way of treating many common infections and also helping to prevent them. 

ADD / ADHD and Behavioural Problems

Did you know that many children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder and other behavioural problems have frank nutritional deficiencies? One of the most common findings in these children are low IRON stores. Ask your healthcare professional for a blood test for iron studies (ferritin, transferrin, % saturation etc.) as well as a Full Blood Count to check for anaemia. If they are deficient in iron, careful supplementation can be done under the guidance of a professional, as it is possible to overdose on iron and certain types of iron (e.g. Ferrous sulphate) may cause digestive and other problems.

ADHD and Ritalin?

I have just opened Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Free State Professor Jonathan Jansen's new book "Letters to My Children: tweets to make you think" and it was on the page:

Letters to my children #49

Never put your children on Ritalin; it is too often a cultural suppressant for a joyful life.

I couldn't agree more Prof. Jansen! 

Instead, feed them healthy, fresh, preservative and colourant free, low-GI food, get them playing outside and take them to a homeopath for individualised natural medicine treatment.