Author: Danielle Lamb

Accredited Clinical Nutritionist BHSc (NutMed), Bachelor of Business (BBus) My Journey from trusting my gut to healing my gut I DECIDED ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH! I DECIDED TO STOP BEING TOLD, “NOTHING COULD BE DONE”, “THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH ME”, “YOUR GUT PROBLEMS ARE ALL IN YOUR HEAD”. I DECIDED TO STOP ALLOWING MY POOR GUT HEALTH TO CONTROL MY SOCIAL LIFE, MY MENTAL HEALTH, PHYSICAL HEALTH AND MY ENTIRE LIFE! I DECIDED TO TAKE ACTION & TAKE STEPS TOWARDS HEALING! I was sitting in my office job, in front of my computer, surrounded by Nutritionist and Naturopaths who were developing healing food products and helping to heal the guts of our customers. Yet, there I was, sitting there, suffering in silence with my own gut health issues. I wasn’t unhealthy, in fact, by general population definition I was as healthy as they come. I ate all of the foods I was ‘supposed to’, all of the ones I was taught were healthy for me. But my gut certainly wasn’t. I WAS LIVING IN A NIGHTMARE Of pain, discomfort, smelly embarrassing gas, brain fog, unusual toilet experiences, low mood, fatigue and more. And I continued to be told that there was nothing wrong with me. That there was nothing to be done. That it was all in my head. But I knew there was more to it. I sat day in, day out trying to absorb some of the Nutritionists and Naturopaths valuable wisdom and beautiful knowledge. To try and help myself through these issues. THEN! It came to me. I told myself, “you love to help others, you love food, you believe in what they do here, you have seen REAL results! You want to get your own life back!” THAT’S WHEN I DECIDED TO TAKE THE JOURNEY AND LEARN ALL THERE WAS TO KNOW ABOUT FOOD, NUTRITION & GUT HEALTH. I WANTED TO LIVE & BREATH MY PASSION FOR HELPING, HEALING & HEALTH. I wanted to one of ‘them’ (Nutritionist or Naturopath). They were healthy, happy and healing, everything I wanted to be and do! So, I DID IT! I wasn’t prepared to let life pass by, living with pain, discomfort and the mundane. I WAS PUT ON THIS EARTH TO TRULLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE, TO CHANGE LIVES. To change my own life! I enrolled into my course, horrified at the expense. Not only the cost of the degree, but also the many years of my life I would have to dedicate! THE CONTEMPLATION WAS REAL! A 3 year degree and all of that student loan debt?! But my calling was there and I made a decision FOR ME and the people I knew I needed to help. To make the impact I wanted to make in the world, I needed to get skilled! A Health Science degree was PETREFYING! THROUGHOUT THIS TIME I WAS DETERMINED THAT IN ORDER TO HELP OTHERS, I NEEDED TO GET MY OWN HEALTH IN ORDER SO THAT I COULD SHARE MY EXPERIENCE AND STORY. I studied and worked, worked and studied while remaining well ingrained in the health industry through work and social circles. As I went along in the degree and learnt more and more about the science of the body, science of food and how food was used as medicine, nutrients, the pharmacology of it all and as I processed through supervised clinical experience, I applied, with gripping determination, diligence and commitment, my learnings for MY OWN GUT HEALTH. With each new learned piece of information, in each subject, I began to see very real and positive changes happening to my gut health – THE RELIEF! FINALLY, SOMETHING THAT WAS WORKING! I played around with eliminating foods that were shown to be troublemakers for people like me. Some helped, some didn’t but as I went through this process, I found the foods causing me issues and my bloating significantly reduced. I uncovered the imbalances in my gut in regards to the bacteria and was able to correct it with the new strategies I was learning. I embodied all of the programs and protocols and identified the causes to all of the pain and discomfort I’d found my self in for years before. I became familiar with foods that were reacting at a cellular level with my body causing mayhem in my tummy. I used healing foods and nutrients that fit with my body to begin the healing process. My gas began to become less frequent, less PUNGENT and was able to be relieved with a good toilet stop. Never before in my gut health journey had a poop felt so rewarding! IT WASN’T EASY, IT TOOK TIME, COMMITMENT AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF UNIQUE DIFFERENCES IN MY BODY. I REALISED, THERE WAS NOT A ONE SIZE FITS ALL, QUICK FIX APPROACH TO HEALTH. I also realised where I had been going wrong all of these years. Why the things I had tried in the past just hadn’t worked. How there was so much misinformation out there and some of the things I thought I was doing right were actually some of the biggest contributors to my issues. By the end of my degree, I was living healthier, happier and I had truly helped others that I had supported through their gut health journey in the student clinic that I practiced in. This was my calling. On a deeper personal level, I WAS ABLE TO FREELY AND WITHOUT FEAR GO ON DATES WITH CONFIDENCE, EAT OUT WITHOUT THE DREAD OF EMBARRASSMENT AND BOUNCE AROUND IN THE GYM CLASSES I ONCE LOVED. When reflecting on my experience and how far I had come. I cried with relief. All of the wonderful experiences I missed out on, ones I never thought would be enjoyable again, I could live, it was my reality! From uni, I drew on my past Business Degree, experience working with those original inspiring Nutritionists and Naturopaths, developing healthfood products and helping people live to their ‘true potential’ to get ‘more out of life’. I launched whole heartedly into Beta Me Nutrition ready TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO CLIENTS WHO ARE AS READY, MOTIVATED, DEDICATED & DETERMINED AS I ONCE WAS WHEN IN THEIR SHOES. To share my knowledge, experience & expertise so that they can experience a new lease on life without having to undertake the 3 years of study, extensive experience and the outlay for an entire degree. Now as I reflect, I think back on: The life changing results of my clients. The lives and bodies I’ve impacted. The sparkle in my clients eyes when they share with me that they life has profoundly improved. How good it feels for me when they have success. The great dedication my clients have to their health and life How proud and excited I am as their Nutritionist to see them shine and continue to shine I KNOW I MADE THE RIGHT DECISION. EVERY MOMENT OF PAIN HAS BEEN WORTH IT! Life is all about taking risks and INVESTING IN YOU! I INVESTED IN ME BOTH PHYSICALLY & MENTALLY & I WON! I get to be happy and healthy. I get to help people who are living with what I had been through and make a difference in peoples lives. I get to wake up in the morning, hit the gym unconcerned about what noises or unwelcomed smells my bowels may make. I get to go out for meals with friends and not have to worry about the discomfort of knowing exactly where the closest toilet is to make a break for if I even look at the wrong food! I get to go out, looking and feeling fabulous without worrying about bloating out like a balloon! EATING IS NO LONGER A FEAR OR DRAG, IT IS ENJOYABLE, SOCIAL & NOURISHING. So, if you’re someone who is in the thick of it. Who is FINDING YOURSELF ISOLATING YOURSELF, AVOIDING FOOD & SOCIAL EVENTS, STUCK & AT THE MERCY OF YOUR ALL-IMPORTANT GUT, know that there is a way through. Know that there are people out there who have the knowledge and information you need in order to succeed and live a better life. YOU’RE NOT ALONE! I’ve been there, I’m hear for you now, I’m here to listen, to share my experience and knowledge, advice and support with you. All you need to do to start is to COMMIT TO YOU. COMMIT TO THE LIFE YOU HAVE TO HAVE. Dani x Danielle’s Qualifications & Associations Accredited Clinical Nutritionist – Bachelor of Health Science (NutMed), Bachelor of Business (BBus) Australian Natural Therapies Association (ANTA) Complementary Medicines Practitioners Association Council (CMPAC) Australian National Register of Accredited Natural Therapists (ANRANT)
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Homemade Oven Dried Tomatoes (AKA Sundried)

Sundried tomatoes are a tasty addition to any salad, antipasto plate or smashed avocado. Store bought sundried tomatoes however, often come with some nasty additives and unhealthy oils. Making them at home can be a sure fire way of ensuring they are as healthy and clean as possible but still absolutely delish!

Not only are they yummy, cooked tomatoes are higher in lycopene than their raw, fresh counterparts. Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant which has been praised for improving male prostate health, cardiovascular health and to protect against sun damage.

Homemade Oven Dried Tomatoes

  • 1kg Roma tomatoes
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • Himalayan salt and pepper to taste

Method

Preheat oven to 100 degrees Celsius fan forced. Line a medium to large baking tray (or use two smaller trays) with baking paper or parchment paper.

Cut each tomato in half length ways. Lay out skin side down on the baking tray, leaving some space between them.

Drizzle olive oil lightly over each. Season with salt and pepper.

Place in the oven for 7-10 hours or until fluid has evaporated and tomatoes have flattened and shrivelled.

Store in a glass jar in the fridge with a 1/4 of the jar filled with olive oil.

Enjoy over salads, with antipasto platters or on your brekky avo on toast!

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Let’s Talk Tummy Troubles – IBS

IBS

Did you know up to 30% of Australians may experience symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at some point in their life?

IBS is extremely common, so don’t feel like you are suffering alone.

What is IBS?

IBS is characterised by lower abdominal pain more frequently presenting on the left side of the abdomen. It may be worse in the morning and improves after evacuating the bowels or releasing flatulence.

There may be urgency to reach a toilet to evacuate bowels, but the evacuation may feel incomplete. Some experience incontinence, where poor muscular function of the gastrointestinal tract prevents the ability to hold on until access to a toilet is available. Many complain of bloating, gas, abdominal pain and distension which may become worse again towards the end of the day.

For some suffers IBS can become self-limiting and socially embarrassing. Fear of not being able to access a toilet quick enough may prevent people from leaving their home, or fear of un-welcome flatulence may limit conversations and leave people feeling isolated.

Those who suffer with IBS may feel as though everything they eat triggers their symptoms, so they refuse to or avoid eating outside of home.

Poor muscular function and urgency may reduce the suffers confidence in engaging in exercise, only to weaken muscles further.

Symptoms include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Fluctuations between diarrhoea and constipation
  • Bloating and abdominal distension
  • Gas/flatulence
  • Urgency to pass bowel motions
  • Undigested foods or mucus in the stools
  • Fatigue
  • Anxiety

What causes IBS?

  1. Stress and anxiety

Just as IBS can cause stress and anxiety, stress and anxiety can contribute to IBS symptoms. The gut-brain axis is being recognised as a very real event by medical researchers. Our body has many messenger paths connected to our nervous systems that interact closely. When the brain is not happy, it disrupts the messages and functionality of the digestive system, contributing to symptoms such as nervous diarrhoea.

2. Intolerances

Food sensitivities and intolerances are becoming more common. These intolerances create inflammation and gaps in the gut wall (leaky gut) which aggravate the digestive system and the healthy bacterial colonies that reside in the intestines, leading to gas, bloating and constipation or diarrhoea.

3. Previous disruptions to the gastrointestinal tract

Travellers diarrhoea and attacks of gastroenteritis have been linked to increased cases and symptom presentation of IBS. The toxins that are released during an active infection disrupt intestinal wall and nerves that line the gastrointestinal tract. This damage lingers long after the infection has been effectively cleared.

4. Medication

A long history of medication use and polypharmacy (many medications at once) can damage and inflame the gastrointestinal tract and may aggravate or contribute to leaky gut.

Did you know women may experience a worsening of symptoms during their menstrual cycle?

What are some of the dietary and lifestyle factors that may aggravate your symptoms?

  • Drinking alcohol
  • Drinking large amounts of caffeine
  • Eating high amounts of sugars
  • Medications that may contribute to constipation (iron, pain medications, NSAIDS, sedatives, blood pressure medication, antidepressants, OCP).
  • Medications that contribute to diarrhoea (antacids, laxatives, blood pressure medications, antibiotics)
  • Fatty, fried foods
  • Food sensitivities
  • Stress
  • Environmental toxins
  • A history of traveller’s diarrhoea infection

What are dietary treatments and management options?

Nutrition professionals will often suggest a FODMAP dietary protocol for those with IBS.

FODMAPS (Fermentable, Oligosaccharide, Disaccharide, Monosaccharide and Polyols) are fermentable sugars found in many common foods, some of which are foods that would normally be considered healthy in a normal healthy person. In someone with IBS, some FODMAP foods may cause the bacteria in the gut to ferment these sugars leading to IBS symptoms.

The program is a strict, drawn out protocol with a step by step process, which requires a great deal of commitment and compliance, though, the results are often very pleasing for IBS sufferers. It can improve symptoms and move someone from feeling as though every single food creates symptoms, to identifying exactly which foods are causing aggravations while enjoying others first thought to cause problems. It is recommended that the protocol be undertaken while under the support and guidance of your nutrition professional.

Overall Guidelines for improve digestion

  • Reduce portion sizes and frequency – allow your body to efficiently digest foods
  • Eat a healthy, varied diet
  • Drink adequate amounts of fluids – particularly water and herbal teas
  • Chew your food thoroughly to assist in the digestive process
  • Identify actual intolerances – do not exclude food groups long term ‘thinking’ they may be causing symptoms to become aggravated
  • Ensure dinner is eaten as early as possible to avoid going to bed on a full stomach
  • Keep track of what you are eating and notice the symptoms – not all symptoms will present immediately – take these to a nutrition professional for assessment
  • Stay active – this will improve digestion, reduce stress and enhance circulation
  • Reduce stress and anxiety
  • Fibre is important but find your balance
  • Avoid alcohol as much as possible
  • Avoid caffeinated beverages – soft drinks, coffee and black tea
  • Protect and enhance your healthy gut bacteria because they will return the favour!
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Have you considered Copper as an important dietary nutrient?

Almonds

We have been taught to be afraid of toxic levels of the metal copper.

Ever considered Copper as an important dietary nutrient?

But were you aware that copper is extremely important to our health in many vital ways?

Deficiencies can present a variety of health complaints that we may not attribute to a lack of copper unless functionally tested.

First, copper assists in the development of several enzymes within our body that assist in:

  • the production of energy
  • how we metabolise iron
  • the elastically of our skin
  • how our immune cell functions
  • prevention of neurological damage
  • it is a component of antioxidant activity.

Our bones, tissues and liver harbour our body’s copper stores and these storage locations are affected greatly when excesses or deficiencies occur.

Suffering from low energy?

My guess is that copper deficiency has never crossed your mind as a potential cause. Our energy system operates via the transport of various nutrients through a cycle called the citric acid cycle and an electron transport chain. Copper facilitates energy production at the electron transport chain as a cofactor to enzymes.

Are your bones prone to breaking or osteoporosis? Or is your skin easily broken or sagging?

Calcium and Vitamin D are one a small piece of the puzzle. Copper is essential to making cross-links in collagen for bones and elasticity of skin to prevent fractures and maintain healthy skin. Your blood vessels are also made up of connective tissue and require copper to maintain their elasticity for blood flow, preventing arterial complications and haemorrhage.

Are you metabolising iron effectively?

Most people’s first thought for low energy recovery is iron. Although iron may be the culprit, copper may also be required. Copper is necessary for iron transportation and linking iron to its transport protein to be sent to cells for healthy blood development. A lack of copper may just be contributing to iron deficiency.

Food sources of copper

Food should always be considered as medicine before vitamin supplements are factored in to your regime. You can ensure you are receiving enough dietary copper by eating a variety of the following foods:

  • Organ meats (liver, kidneys etc.)
  • Spirulina
  • Oysters
  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Almonds or Cashews
  • Leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard)
  • Dark Chocolate (>70%)
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chickpeas
  • Avocado
  • Goat cheese
  • Tempeh
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Step up your digestive game with these simple steps

sauerkraut

1

Make fermented foods a staple in your diet.

Foods that have been fermented allow for the introduction of healthy gut bacteria into the digestive system to assist in digestive processes. Fermented foods themselves are easier to digest.

Fermented foods include:

  • Kefir
  • Sauerkraut
  • Kim chi
  • Organic natural yoghurt
  • Kombucha
  • Tempeh
  • Miso

Probiotic supplements can also increase the healthy colonies of bacteria that reside in your digestive system.

2

Increase dietary fibre

Soluble and insoluble fibres are essential to a healthy gastrointestinal system and reduce constipation. It is important to keep hydrated any time fibre is increased. Additionally, fibre is an effective waste eliminator as it binds to waste materials along the gastrointestinal tract and takes it out of the body with bowel motions.

Psyllium husk is an easily accessible supplementary form of fibre that can be added to water, juice or cereal.

3

Embrace the power of Apple Cider Vinegar

Combat indigestion, reflux, bloating, gas by adding 1-2 tsp ACV and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to warm water prior to each meal.

4

Drink up!

Water that is…

Hard stools are never fun and being dehydrated is a significant factor in hard stools, straining and constipation. For most healthy adults more than 2L of water daily is recommended.

5

With pro come pre-biotics

Prebiotics are indigestible carbohydrates that are fermented by the healthy bacteria (probiotics) in the digestive tract. The fermentation process provides food or fuel for probiotics to enhance growth and functionality in digestive processes.

Prebiotic foods include:

  • Artichokes
  • Leek
  • Onions
  • Garlic
  • Beans
  • Asparagus
  • Slippery elm
  • Psyllium

6

Enzyme supplementation

No matter how perfect your diet may be, a lack of digestive enzymes will hinder your digestive capabilities. Supplementation with digestive enzymes prior to meals can assist in reducing the uncomfortable symptoms associated with poor digestion. You can obtain certain enzymes from foods such as, papaya, kiwi fruit and pineapple.

7

Herbal teas not cawfees

Coffee has stimulative and irritative effects on the gut, which can contribute to digestive discomfort, inflammation and diarrhoea. Herbal teas are soothing and nourishing to the gut and increase hydration. Certain teas such as ginger, peppermint, turmeric, chamomile and liquorice tea can reduce flatulence, decrease inflammation and bloating.

8

Mooove

Remaining active increases circulation and stimulates peristaltic muscle movements that push food around and through the digestive tract. Even short gentle exercise after meals can go a long way in the fight for a healthy digestive system.

9

Stress less

Stress is a significant driver in poor digestion. It seems strange and totally unconnected but, the energy that would normally be used in digesting foods is diverted to the brain and muscles to manage stressresponses.

Manage stress with:

  • Deep breathing
  • Meditation
  • Epsom salts baths
  • Adequate sleep
  • Engaging in arts and crafts or any down-time hobbies

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Out with Gout!

Gout

Anyone who has suffered from gout or knows someone who does, understands the often painful, debilitating effects of the condition. Gout is a form of arthritis which is marked by significant inflammation, redness, swelling and pain. Gout has been recognised as the condition of ‘over-indulgence’. This agonising condition is caused by higher than normal uric acid levels in the blood and body tissues.

Uric acid is a by-product of the breakdown of purines in the body often derived from diets high in:

  • meat products
  • oily seafood
  • alcohol
  • caffeine

Other medical conditions can become risk factors for gout and high uric acid levels including:

  • hypertension
  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • obesity
  • some medications
  • kidney disease
  • recent medical surgery
  • family history of gout
  • male >40 year

What are the current medical treatment options for gout?

  • Medications that inhibit uric acid production
  • Anti-inflammatories
  • Corticosteroids
  • Medications that increase the excretion of uric acid

Unfortunately, these medications are not without risks and side effects. When prescribed gout medications, be sure to request information sheets from your GP on the possible side effects.

Going Natural

Celery seed and sour cherry have demonstrated efficacy in reducing uric acid and gout symptoms with few side effects and are generally well tolerated.

Celery

Celery has presented some great results in inflammatory cases such as joint pain and rheumatism. Celery consists of several natural chemical compounds that act as anti-inflammatory agents and antioxidants that crusade in the reduction of oxidative damage that harms joints and tissues.

Sour Cherry

Tart cherry juice has long been used by natural enthusiasts in the fight against attacks of gout when used regularly over several months. Like celery, sour cherry can reduce the pain associated with attacks and reduce characteristic inflammation and oxidative damage due to its high antioxidant content.

If you or someone you know suffer from attacks of gout, speak with a medical professional or a natural medicine practitioner about the benefits of celery and sour cherry in its reduction of gout symptoms and incidences.

It should be noted that diet and lifestyle play are significant role in the presentation of gout and other inflammatory conditions and addressing the imbalances in these factors can greatly reduce the likelihood of gout interfering in one’s life. Remember, prevention is better than a cure!

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Keto Bread Rolls (cut carbs)

keto bread rolls

The keto craze has well and truly kicked off and to those of you who are just starting up on their merry way, here is a recipe that will help you cut carbs without even knowing it! Bread lovers behold the ‘Keto Bread Rolls’.

The Keto Bread Roll Recipe

Ingredients 

Dry Ingredients

  • 5 tbsp. psyllium husk
  • 1 1/4 cups almond meal/flour
  • 1 tsp Celtic/Himalayan/Sea salt
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • optional 2 tbsp. sesame seeds (I let these out in this instance)

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 3 egg whites (you can make flax eggs if you can not eat eggs)
  • 1 cup water, boiled

Method

Preheat your oven to 175C fan forced.

Mix dry ingredients together in a bowl.

Add all wet ingredients (boiling water, vinegar and egg whites) to dry ingredients.

Using a hand mixer, beat ingredients for 30 seconds (be sure not to overbeat).

Pre-grease a baking tray lined with baking paper.

With moist hands pull out six pieces of dough and lay them side by side with enough space to expand slightly on the tray.

Place in the oven on the lower shelf for approximately 50-60 minutes or until a tap on the bottom of the rolls produce a hollow sound.

Enjoy fresh or store airtight.

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