What you need to know about canola oil and GMO

GMO

Genetic modification (GMO) is a common occurrence among canola crops around the world.

Genetic modification is done for the purpose of increasing profit margins, but at what cost?

To add salt to wounds this modification also comes with a hefty dump of chemical pesticides which enter the soil and destroy beneficial microorganism, biodiversity and the overall health of the soil.

Not sounding good right?

This canola gets to our food chain and the pesticides give off nasty residues and some dangerous metabolites that we are lucky enough to ingest.

Did you know… many years ago canola oil, formerly known as rapeseed oil was not fit for consumption by humans due to its highly toxic levels of erucic acid? Canola now days only consists of 2% or less of this toxic substance, but still, it is not a healthy option by any means.

It is heavily processed and is therefore, far from natural, despite originally coming from a plant. Toxic elements and high temperate processing make it a recipe for bodily disaster. 

Yes, canola oil does contain what would normally be deemed beneficial omega 3 fatty acids. But unfortunately, once omega 3 fatty acids go through high temperature conditions, their beneficial properties can be transformed into dangerous trans fats or saturated fats.

It is important to be aware of the oils that are being used in your fresh cooked and packaged foods. Opt for olive oil at low cooking temperatures and coconut oil for higher temperatures. Both boast some lovely nutritional benefits and side step genetic modification and structure changes through heating. 

What foods often contain canola oil or some form of genetically modified oil?

  • Salad dressing
  • Breads, rolls, pastry
  • Mayonnaise
  • Chocolate
  • Lollies
  • Aspartame
  • Frozen yoghurt
  • Pre-packaged soups
  • Sauces
  • Condiments
  • Alcohol
  • Protein powders
  • Processed peanut butter
  • Processes snack items
  • Cake mixes
  • Baby formula
  • Baby cereal
  • Processed meats
  • Cookies
  • Crackers
  • Chips
  • Burger patties
  • Ice-cream
  • Processed cheeses
  • Cereals
  • and much much more

The best things to do is to read all ingredient lists and look for foods that state GMO free.

Not all brands of the above mentioned products will contain GMO ingredients.

It is always best to eat fresh where possible and avoid packaged and heavily processed foods.

Regain Your Lost Libido

libido

It may come as a surprise to some and yet not others that sexual desire and good health go hand-in-hand. The loss of libido or sexual desire is an indication that there is some form of illness, physical or mental, present.

The success of sexual arousal depends on the health of the nerves and blood vessels of the sexual organs. In diabetes, excesses in blood glucose damages the vessels and nerves that send signals from sexual organs. This, unfortunately for diabetics, can lead to the inability to respond sexually. It is therefore, extremely important to work on prevention and management of diabetes through diet and lifestyle.

High fibre and the limitation of sugars is a great first step.

Just as poor blood glucose regulation can impact sexual health and performance, so too can fatty tissue that infiltrate the arteries of the sexual organs, preventing arousal. This can be prevented with supportive dietary protocols that include high fibre, low saturated fat and high omega 3 fatty acids. This will support the free flowing of circulation and reduce inflammation and fatty tissue deposits.

Quercetin

Quercetin, a dietary antioxidant found in onions and garlic has also shown promise for diabetic management. It has been instrumental in some studies for preventing converting excesses in blood glucose into the damaging glucitol. Quercetin has long been praised for its anti-histaminic actions. Anti-histamine properties further prevent damage to important blood vessels.  

Chromium

Another better-known blood sugar regulating mineral is chromium. Chromium has been shown to regulate not only blood glucose, but also CRAVINGS. It is an important antioxidant and may further prevent glucose inflicted damage to blood vessel walls.

Inositol

One of my favourite vitamins, inositol has shown promising results for preventing nerve damage that often accompanies diabetes (diabetic neuropathy). Inositol has also demonstrated benefits in mental health and anxiety, conditions that can impact sexual desire, confidence and performance.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are an essential for any stress and anxiety related dietary protocol, but the addition of these important vitamins can also assist in dilation of the blood vessels, further enhancing circulation. Particularly vitamin B3 (aka Niacin). This super B works to dilate blood vessels, reduce cholesterol and enhance circulation.

Vitamin B6

B6 works in our favour for sexual performance and desire. It stimulates the production and conversion of sex hormones and reduces hormones that quash that desire. Did you know those who take the oral contraceptive pill or antidepressants are at increased risk of B6 deficiency? Alcohol is another way to quickly see your B6 levels decline.

Folic Acid

Folic acid, we all know it as the pregnancy vitamin but many who suffer from the depression of moods are showing early signs of deficiency, as folic acid supports neurotransmitter function and the production of sex hormones.

Magnesium

Magnesium is also receives well deserved praise as a vasodilator and circulatory stimulant, but its most useful benefits in impotence or lack of libido lays with its actions on the nervous system. Nervous, stressed and anxious people may find benefit in the inclusion of magnesium as part of their daily routine (inclusive of sex).

Tryptophan

Amino acid tryptophan is known to assist in the production of serotonin, our feel food hormone. More serotonin means a happier and more relaxed you, possibly resulting in the enhancement of sexual desire.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A plays a large role in the production of male and female sexual hormones and these hormones trigger our desire for sexual activity and our performance during sexual activity.

Zinc

Zinc! Especially for men but still important in female hormone production. It supports the stimulation of sexual desire and regulates the production of those vital hormones that make us randy! But guess what? Basically everything we do depletes this essential mineral. Diet, alcohol, stress, incorrect preparation of food, preservatives and environmental pollutions.

So, I have mentioned quite a few important implicated vitamins, minerals, nutrients and antioxidants in this post. All of which could play a pivotal role in your sexual health. It seems like a lot I know! But with a healthy balanced diet, free of saturated fats, sugars and too much alcohol, it is achievable. One more thing, diet is one element, it is extremely and equally as important to look at lifestyle factors such as exercise, rest and recovery from daily stressors. Combine them all together and enjoy some happy LURRRVE making!

 

Pyrrole Disorder – What is it?

Pyrrole

What I am about to explain to you may seem a difficult concept to grasp, but pyrrole is very real for many people and is often misidentified or unidentified.

Pyrrole disorder is also known as Pyroluria. It is an abnormality of biochemical nature that results in the production of high levels of pyrroles. These ‘things’ known as pyrroles are metabolites (broken down parts) of the proteins in our red blood cells called haemoglobin. These metabolites contribute to the binding of B6 and Zinc. When pyrroles are eliminated from the body they take these final nutrients with them. Under normal conditions this may not be a problem. But in circumstances of high stress or genetic predisposition, deficiencies in B6 and Zinc can present, leaving behind some unpleasant and life altering effects.

What do B6 and Zinc do for us?

Neurotransmitters (the messengers in our body that conduct hormones and help us to feel good) rely heavily on B6 and Zinc for production and function. Many of us have heard of serotonin, dopamine and to a lesser extent GABA. Well, these are neurotransmitters (happy hormones) that rely on B6 for production. Zinc is, well, important for every function in the body but particularly, sexual hormone production, gut and immune system function, all which have a profound impact on how our brain functions.

So what causes pyrrole disorder?

  • Stress
  • Growth spurts
  • Various medical conditions that stress the body
  • Genetics
  • Oxidative stress (toxins in the body)
  • Ineffective detoxification processes

Pyrrole disorder may also play a role in worsening, or be the result of the following conditions:

  • Bipolar
  • Autism
  • ADHD
  • Depression
  • Criminal activity
  • Generalized behaviour issues
  • Learning disorders
  • Substance abuse
  • Alcoholism
  • Anxiety disorders
  •  PTSD
  • Alzheimer’s

What symptoms may present in pyrrole disorder?

  • Social anxiety, excessive shyness
  • Anxiety in crowds and avoidance of crowded situations
  • Inability to control stress and avoidance of stressful circumstances
  • Internal tension
  • Anxiety over the unknown
  • Anxiety with meeting new people
  • Sensitive to loud noises, sunlight, odours, textures
  • Irritable
  • Anger
  • Aggression
  • Depression
  • Negative thoughts
  • Poor dream recalls
  • Night owl
  • Poor memory
  • Learning difficulties
  • Underachievement
  • Desires spicy and/or salty food
  • Nausea in the morning with reduced appetite
  • Skipping breakfast
  • Delayed puberty
  • Dysmenorrhea/amenorrhea
  • Growth abnormalities
  • Skin conditions
  • Stretch marks
  • Poor wound healing
  • Acne
  • White spots on nails
  • Poor muscle development and abnormal fat distribution
  • Joint pain
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Frequent infections, cold, flu
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Many sisters/females in the family

How do I find out if I have pyrrole disorder?

A qualified health practitioner who is familiar with pyrrole disorder should take your full case history. A urine test is conducted to determine the level of kryptopyrroles. An individualized treatment that will normally include zinc and B6 along with other dietary and nutritional supports is generally created following a positive history and urine test. Other referrals may also be made to support the symptoms of Pyroluria, which may include, where necessary psychological support, lifestyle and exercise advice. 

If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms or know someone who may present with one or more of the symptoms contact Danielle at Beta Me Nutrition for a consultation.

Natural Relief of Joint Pain

Joint Pain

 Joint Pain

Joint pain can be a real stifler to the aging persons quality of life. Although joint pain is often associated with aging, any person of any age can experience joint pain. Inflammation is one of the driving factors that cause joint pain and is characterised by swelling, redness, sometimes heat, stiffness and tendinous to touch.

Can you relate?

Pain and inflammation can go as far as making you feel physically ill and irritable.

Not nice!

Sometimes, there can be an element of arthritis of osteo or rheumatoid nature that can worsen these symptoms and you quality of life.

Many people are turning to natural medicines to deal with their pain and arthritic ailments. This is because people are becoming more and more aware of the benefits natural medicines have in reducing pain, inflammation and removing toxins from the body. A process that can only benefit the body as a whole.

Some herbs stimulate our detoxing organs to rid the body of toxic metabolic waste, such as those that target the liver, skin, kidneys, lymphatic system and intestines. Toxic waste that is left to its own avail is allowed to run ramped around the body, entering tissues and amping up inflammation. This reduces the body’s resources for addressing the joint inflammation that is presenting elsewhere.

Let’s look at some easy access herbs that have shown absolute promise in reducing pain, inflammation and toxic waste.

Ginger

One of the easiest herbs to access and one of the most versatile. Often use to ease cold and flu symptoms or nausea when travelling, ginger is also an effective anti-inflammatory herb. Research has demonstrated its ability to target similar pathways to anti-inflammatory medications, reducing the internally made chemicals that increase the symptoms of inflammation. This in turn reduces pain and swelling.

It is important if you are on anti-coagulant medication that you seek advice from a health professional before utilising ginger.

Turmeric

The herb that has received much hype in recent years, but it is not unwarranted. The deeply orangey-yellow culinary herb is a beneficial addition for any inflammatory condition that exists in the body. It is high in antioxidant content and has been shown to have a similar effect to NSAIDS drugs. The herb increases circulatory efficacy, allowing blood to enter the tissues and spaces that it is need for the reduction of inflammation and repair processes.

Turmeric also possesses anti-coagulant properties and should therefore be taken under the guidance of a health professional if you are on anti-coagulant medications (or blood thinners).

Flaxseeds

High in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseeds are the perfect addition to any anti-inflammatory diet. They are a good source of omega-3 fatty acids for vegans and vegetarians and are active in supporting a healthy immune system. It is important that you first crush or grind the seeds and soak them for ease of digestion. Smoothies or uncooked oats are an effective way to utilise flaxseeds as they should not be heated. Heating will reduce their omega-3 content and damage the beneficial anti-inflammatory properties of the seeds.

Olive oil

Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, olive oil has long been used in the Mediterranean diet, promoting good health and longevity. The healthy fats and antioxidants that are contained within good quality olive oil have demonstrated anti-inflammatory benefits that have withstood the test of time in efficacy and criticism.

Just by adding these wonder herbs and oils into your diet and improving your diet overall, you can, overtime reduce the damage inflammation can cause and say goodbye to pain!

Are Intestinal Parasites Affecting Your Quality of Life?

Intestinal Parasites

 

Intestinal parasites are far more common than most would think or hope. They may not be easily identified and seen with the naked eye, however, these shifty, not so friendly residence of the body can be wreaking havoc. Parasites can be anything from teeny tiny little organisms, right up to large worms that span much of intestines…and that’s LONG!

These nasty fellows can cause wide spread inflammation in the muscles, skin, gut, and brain. Some of the outward symptoms that may be seen can include:

  • IBS
  • Gastritis
  • Joint pain
  • Allergies, sensitivities and intolerances to various food items
  • Seasonal allergies
  • IBD etc…

In addition to the above malady’s parasites are nice enough to feed on our blood and take nutrients from us. This can lead to nutrient insufficiencies such as iron and protein malabsorption and deficiency.

Some are even clever enough to be able to access the blood stream and enter our vital tissues, feeding off of them like vultures and sometimes leaving behind ulcers and scaring. Tissues that can be impacted include

  • Liver
  • Stomach
  • Muscles
  • Lungs

So how do we get lucky enough to contract parasites?

  • Contaminated water and food
  • Touching feces
  • Insects e.g. mosquitos
  • Bodily fluids such as in sexual intercourse and kissing
  • Nasal passages
  • Having a low immune system
  • Poor hygiene

Some major symptoms of infection with parasites, such as commonly know Giardia and Cryptosporidium include:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Dehydration
  • Nausea
  • Abdominal discomfort

These are often immediate symptoms but can also last long after the initial infection.

Before deciding on a treatment, it is extremely important that you refer to your healthcare practitioner for testing to be conducted to determine exactly which parasite you need to address, if any.

But, despite all of this horrific information, fear not. Not all hope is lost if you do happen to be stuck by a troublesome little parasite. Food and herbal treatments have shown efficacy in eliminating or reducing the toxic and life altering effects that parasites can inflict.

Pumpkin Seeds or Pepitas

They are not only a delicious addition to your salads and snacking routine, adding both flavour and texture, but are praised for their anti-parasitic activity. They are paralytic to parasites, particularly helminths such as worms.

Speak to a natural health practitioner on what some of the preparation techniques are for using pumpkin seeds as parasite evacuators!

Oregano Oil

The oil from this delightful culinary herb is highly antimicrobial and can be effective in knocking parasites out of the park (or intestines). It is important to use the oil of oregano under the guidance of a trained health professional for dosing safety, quality and efficacy.

Garlic breath anyone?

I don’t know about you, but I would take garlic breath over the pain of intestinal parasites any day of the week.  

The sulfur rich amino acids and allicin that are found in garlic dominate parasitic infection. These compounds are released only through the fine dicing or mincing of the fresh garlic bulbs. They should be left to sit for approximately 5 minutes before consumption.

Oil of Clove

In short, simple and effective explanation, clove oil is effective at eradicating parasitic eggs. As with the previous remedies supervision and guidance from a qualified health professional is recommended for safety and effective dosing.

Papaya and Pineapple Fruit

These pretty, sweet tropical fruits boast amino acids and the digestive enzymes known as papain (papaya) and bromelain (pineapple). These actives create an unfavorable living space for intestinal parasites. Papaya seeds have demonstrated significant benefits in the eradication of intestinal parasites, although caution and professional support should be obtained before commencing with these natural treatments.

Reducing parasites through diet

Enzymes and acids play an active role in reducing susceptibility and eliminating parasitic infections. The idea is to develop an environment that makes it difficult for the parasite to thrive and survive. Enzymes and organic acids make up a portion of all fruits and vegetables including:

          kiwi fruit, papaya, pineapple, avocado, citrus, berries

          sauerkraut, kimchi, green leafy vegetables, broccoli etc.

A good intestinal flora is also a vital preventative and treatment to the nasty parasitic bugs that can enter our system uninvited. Fermented food products such as apple cider vinegar, unsweetened kefir, sauerkraut and kombucha along with a good quality probiotic support a healthy gut colony.

Sugar and its parasitic loving powers

Sugar and low GI (low fibre) carbohydrates set up the perfect environment for a healthy parasite to thrive and continue to wreak widespread havoc on the body. Sugar and carbohydrates feed and give energy to parasites and allow them to grow and become active throughout the body. Eliminating sugary, high carb foods and alcohol (of course) can reduce susceptibility to parasites and diminish the ability for active parasites to survive.

If you know you have a parasitic infection or suspect you may have based on your symptoms, it is important that you contact a health professional to begin eradication and the healing of the gastrointestinal system as soon as possible. Long term parasitic infections that are allows to remain dormant or active in the intestines can lead to longer term complications that can impact the entire body including digestive complaints, joint pain and nervous system complications.

Contact Danielle

Are you spring ready? Try these seasonal detox tips

SPRING DETOX DIET

Eat Seasonal, Spring Clean and Detox Your Diet

Eating seasonal fruits and vegetables provide us with more than just great taste and abundance. Foods that are in season are blessed by mother nature. With richer and riper nutrients based on exactly what our body needs during that season she sets us up for a fabulous Spring season.  

The spring clean is not just for your wardrobe! Mother nature with all of her caring beauty sets us up for the perfect light-hearted detox from the heavy winter.

With the weather warming up, our sights turn from the heavy, hearty comfort foods of winter to lighter cleansing foods.

Detox Foods in this Spring

With deep green coriander targeting heavy metal detoxification and celery choc full of alkalising minerals such as magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium we are armed to combat the acidic winter body. Because of the natural sodium content in celery it is also great for reducing salty food cravings and hydration.  

Our liver is our detoxing powerhouse. Just as much as we rely on it for good health, so to does it rely on us to provide it with what is necessary for healthy detoxification. Luckily for us, deep red, juicy sweet beetroot has a significant role in liver detoxification and restoration. Better yet, this are in for Spring! Make a yummy ruby red beet juice, add it fresh to salads or roast some up as roast beet vege wedges (don’t panic when your pee and poop is a slight tinge of red).

Citrus fruits do become abundant in the winter to ward off cold and flu, but they stick around for the spring for the cleansing processes. Also alkaline, citrus fruits such as grapefruit, lemons, limes and oranges are a great addition to any cleanse. They can be thrown into a juicer, smoothie, eaten on their own or tossed through a fresh crisp salad.

The main thing to remember in detoxing is to eat a rainbow of food, preferably those that are in season, at their freshest and most nutritious.  

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