New Premises - we have moved!

Dr Craig Wright and the other practitioners at Back2Health have moved to new premises at 4 Harfield Road, Claremont, 7708. This is just off Claremont Main Road at the Kenilworth end, across the road from Claremont Hospital. Our practice telephone number remains 021 671 4338.

Health Rules # 5

# 5

Nurtured in Nature?

 There is always something bigger than yourself... 

It is good to know your place and relationships to the many things in the world around you. 

You’ll be healthier when you remember your place in the world and are connected to it. Biophilia. Biognosis... Know Nature.

Health Rules # 4

# 4

Who the hell are you?

Swaraj. “At the individual level, Swaraj is vitally connected with the capacity for dispassionate self-assessment, ceaseless self-purification and growing self-reliance ... it is Swaraj when we learn to rule ourselves” 

Mahondas K. Gandhi 1928

“Know thyself” – the Delphic Oracle

“The unexamined life is not worth living” - Aristotle

Health Rules # 3

# 3

A thousand little pieces...

Chronic health problems happen in a thousand little increments. It’s all those tiny little things you just allowed yourself, or ignored over a long period of time. They all tally up. Don’t allow yourself too many ‘just this once’s’ or ignore all the little annoying warnings from your body. 

“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself, and you are the easiest person to fool” 

Richard Feynman, Nobel Physicist

Why You Should Eat More Butter...

Health Rules #2

# 2

Most people want the change, but don’t want to make the change

Maintaining or regaining your health is something that has to be worked at. Symptoms are a wake-up call. Never ignore them. Think about or find out about what they mean and make a plan to CHANGE things. Diet, lifestyle? Type of treatment? Your thinking? Exercise? Where you are living? The relationships you have? Whatever it is, if you want to be healthy, make the necessary (and usually hard) changes. 

“The only thing constant in life is change” Heraklitos the Dark 

Health Rules # 1

# 1

There is no magic bullet...

Magic bullet fixes don’t exist when it comes to health. If you are chronically unwell, it is usually a long, slow unravelling, an incremental process to restore your health. You cannot just expect to pop a pill and a miracle to happen. It takes work.

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.

Discussion on Diabetes on Taxi Radio

Catch Dr Craig Wright discussing Diabetes, it's diagnosis and natural medicine treatment options today on Taxi Radio. Listen online at: http://thetaxi.mobi/listen-live/

Do You Have Metabolic Syndrome?

1) If you are a man, is your waist circumference more than 102cm?

    If you are a woman, is your waist circumference more than 88cm?

2) Is your blood pressure more than 130/85 or are you being treated for high blood pressure?

3) Is your fasting blood sugar level over 6 mmol/l?

4) Do you have raised blood triglycerides over 1.7 mmol/l or are you being treated for raised triglycerides?

5) Do you have low HDL (good cholesterol) - less than 1.03 mmol/l in men and < 1.3 mmol/l in women? or are you being treated for raised cholesterol levels?

If you have answered YES to 3 or more of these questions then you most likely have Metabolic Syndrome!

[see http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/112/17/e285/T1.expansion.html]

Belly Fat - over 102cm in men & you are in trouble....

What does this mean?

It means that you need to see a knowledgeable health professional to help you get yourself on track before you develop Type II Diabetes, heart or artery disease, heart attack, stroke or a host of other metabolism-related problems.

Metabolic Syndrome is a condition in which multiple metabolic issues result in abnormal management of blood sugar, blood fats and blood pressure in conjunction with an increased likelihood of inflammation and blood clotting, potentially leading directly to coronary heart disease, diabetes or stroke. Think of it as a sign of impending bigger problems as your body starts to decompensate.

The underlying risk factors for developing Metabolic Syndrome are abdominal obesity and insulin resistance. Other associated conditions include physical inactivity, aging, hormonal imbalance, and genetic or ethnic predisposition. 

What can I do about it?

The good news is that, in most cases, it is easily reversible with a bit of effort!

Firstly, if you suspect you have Metabolic Syndrome, see a healthcare practitioner (such as a homeopath, phytotherapist or naturopath) who understands the condition and have the required tests done to confirm the diagnosis and also to ascertain your baseline levels, so that monitoring your progress is easier.

Secondly, start on a programme of lifestyle and dietary changes that are specific for you and your 'type'.

My suggestions for anyone wanting to tackle metabolic syndrome and improve their health in general, to avoid diabetes, heart attack and other nightmares usually include:

• exercise
• healthy eating (e.g. low GI but right for your type e.g. Vata/Pitta/Kapha)
• nutritional supplements (e.g. Chromium; Omega 3 EFA's)
• herbal medicines (e.g. artichoke, milk thistle, turmeric, adaptogens)
• patient-specific individualised homeopathic medicines

Thirdly, stick to a programme and get yourself monitored to chart your progress back to health - it really doesn't have to end in disaster.....!

An Introduction to Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine for new Moms @ Kingsbury Hospital

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)

•     Irritable, grizzly, restless children and babies suffering from pain or fever or inflammation. Want to be carried and held. They often have one red cheek, greenish stools and rather angry crying. If there is the full picture, you can use Chamomilla 30cH homeopathic medicine in drop or granule form and administer it as often as necessary to bring relief.  If the full picture is not present and you simply want a calming and soothing, anti-inflammatory herb to help when your baby won't settle or sleep, has tummy problems or is irritable or fractious, then give the herbal infusion (tea). Chamomile can be used externally as a wash to soothe red, inflamed areas - it can be added to the bath or even dabbed on directly from a moistened teabag of chamomile.

• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• cooling, calming and soothing herbal tea for mild fevers and inflammation, sleeplessness, restlessness, over-excitability.  Soothes the digestive tract and helps cool baby in fevers. May be helpful in colic. It has anti-spasmodic and gas-dispelling effects on the digestive tract. Particularly good in overexcitable, overimpressionable, oversensitive states. It is gently sedating. Also good if mum's anxiety is affecting baby. Can be mixed in equal quantities with Chamomile.  

• Elderflower (Sambucus nigra - flowers)
• Elderflower infusions can be used as a gentle decongestant for the upper and lower airways. The baby that responds best to elderflower is usually mucousy and snuffly, with congested nose and sinused, and perhaps congested chest and cough.The baby often perspires more when they have these problems and this is a good guide to the use of this herb. Elderflower opens up the airways and frees breathing. It can be used to help in minor colds, sinusitis, catarrh, hayfever, allergies etc.  Difficulty breathing should always be assessed by a practitioner.

• Marigold (Calendula officinalis)
• Calendula is the best allround herb for the skin! It is a wound healer and very helpful for all types of cuts, scrapes and grazes, including carpet burn from crawling! It is mildly antiseptic and helps speed up skin healing. It is a great topical application for eczemas, cradle cap and many other skin conditions, including rashes (may be used with Chamomile). If in doubt - try Calendula! It also works very well with the following herb:

• St John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

• a great wound healing herb that can be used on its own or with Calendula. It is particularly good for injuries to nerve-rich regions such as the fingers, face or genitals (e.g. episiotomy). I combine it with Calendula and use it to prevent stretch marks and to treat cracked nipples. It is great to have a jar of 'Hypercal' cream around the house as you can use it on yourself and your baby for just about any topical skin problem. If you can't find a good hypericum and calendula cream at the pharmacies or health shops, then your homeopath should be able to provide one.

 Medicines for Teething

1. Chamomilla 6cH or 30cH - more grizzly, angry state
2. Pulsatilla 6cH or 30CH - irritable, but more sweet, clingy, thirstless
3. Chamomile and/or Catnip tea - multipurpose soother

How to Prepare a Herbal Infusion (Tea)

 Add 250ml freshly boiled water to 1 heaped teaspoon dried or 2-3 teaspoons fresh herb. Place a lid on the container to prevent essential oils from escaping (e.g. a saucer on your cup). Leave to stand until lukewarm. For infants, administer 1 teaspoon or warm or cool tea at a time. It is difficult to recommend a dose. See how much you can get in! It is difficult to give too much and if you are giving teaspoonful doses, giving it as often as baby will take it until it has its desired effect and then repeat as neccessary. For toddlers or older children a shotglass full of tea at a time can be given. It can be sweetened with honey or given in applejuice.
  

Vitamin D to the Rescue - again!

I have written about the benefits of Vitamin D a few times before. I can't stress enough how important it is to maintain your blood levels of Vitamin D above 50ng/ml. Here is a video that talks about some of the benefits of this incredibly important substance:
The Real Story on Vitamin D

Stop Smoking Drugs Associated with Suicide, Self Harm & Depression

In a recent report in the continuing medical education publication Medscape, the authors reported:  

"Varenicline (Chantix, Pfizer or Champix) is associated with a significantly increased risk for suicidal behavior and depression, according to new research.

In a study of more than 13,000 cases of adverse events involving smoking cessation products over the course of 13 years, investigators found that 90% of the reports of self-injurious behavior or depression were associated with the use of varenicline. Bupropion and nicotine replacement products were responsible for the remaining 7% and 3%, respectively.

"This should not be a first-line drug. If you start with the others, [and] they don't work, and you have to use a drug, then you use Chantix. But you must monitor the mental status of patients who use it," coinvestigator Curt D. Furberg, MD, PhD, professor of public health sciences at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, told Medscape Medical News.

"Ideally, I think it should come off the market, but that is not realistic. So a more realistic recommendation is to restrict its use."

Well I have to agree with Dr Furberg - take this drug off the market! The moral of the story is: use willpower and natural medicine, acupuncture or other treatments to stop smoking and don't take your life in your hands by taking Champix or any other stop-smoking drug. But whatever you do, STOP SMOKING IMMEDIATELY - its never too soon or too late!!

Homeopathy Gives Significant Results in the Treatment of Fibromyalgia

I have recently come across a 2004 study published in the international journal Rheumatology. This trial examined the effectiveness of homeopathic treatment of patients suffering from the increasingly common problem of fibromyalgia. The results were overwhelmingly positive and illustrate what I have personally found in practice: fibromyalgia patients can benefit significantly from individualised homeopathic treatment!

In this trial, participants on active treatment showed significantly greater improvements in tender point count and tender point pain, quality of life, global health and a trend toward less depression compared with those on placebo.

The authors conclude: "the present study demonstrated that individualized homeopathy is significantly better than placebo in lessening tender point pain and improving the quality of life and global health of persons with fibromyalgia."

Why I also think that this trial is so important, is that it clearly shows how homeopathic treatment not only benefits the symptoms, but improves the person's overall state of health and physical and mental health, as opposed to regular anti-inflammatories and analgesics that simply mask the problem and may bring a host of side effects with them. 

If you suffer from fibromyalgia, find an experienced, registered homeopath soon!

Reference: I. R. Bell, D. A. Lewis, A. J. Brooks, G. E. Schwartz, S. E. Lewis, B. T. Walsh and C. M. Baldwin. Improved clinical status in fibromyalgia patients treated with individualized homeopathic remedies versus placebo. Rheumatology 2004;1

http://rheumatology.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2004/01/20/rheumatology.keh111.full.pdf+html