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!

February 22, 2019February 22, 2019

Let’s Talk Tummy Troubles – 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?

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!

February 15, 2019February 15, 2019

Have you considered Copper as an important dietary nutrient?

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

February 1, 2019February 1, 2019

Step up your digestive game with these simple steps

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

February 1, 2019February 1, 2019

Out with 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!

January 4, 2019January 4, 2019

Keto Bread Rolls (cut carbs)

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’.