Stress - How it creates havoc for our health.

Stress can be caused from a wide array of bad lifestyle choices and difficult circumstances. Stress is mostly unavoidable in the modern age. From a health perspective, when we are talking about stress we are making the distinction between stress and feeling overwhelmed. The majority of us have many stressors in our lives, but we don't consider ourselves to be suffering from stress. However this feeling of being "stressed" is what we would call feeling overwhelmed which is usually experienced once stress levels start to get really high. In daily life a certain amount of stress can be useful, however if you have filled your life with work and family commitments plus social commitments, charity work etc and couple it with inadequate relaxation time and less than amazing nutrition - even if you're coping well with it all - it's a recipe that we call stress. If our daily lives are filled with the body combating many stressors, then there is very limited leeway for dealing with life's challenges that inevitably come our way.

One of the least understood and unrecognised aspects of stress are that stress includes physical, chemical, emotional and electromagnetic factors. The major stressors follow:

Physical                                                   Chemical              
Inactivity                                                  Sugar      
Toxins (including drugs,                             Infection
Pesticides, additives, immunizations ect)    Nutritional Imbalance
Inadequate light                                        Nicotine
Allergens                                                 Caffeine
Temperature extremes                              Alcohol
Trauma                                                    Xeno-estrogens from plastics
No sunshine for at least an hour a day
Being indoors in “managed” air
Sleeping outside of our natural circadian rhythm

Emotional                                               Electromagnetic     - Positive ions  
Fear                                                       Mobiles              
Anger                                                     Refrigerators, microwaves      
Guilt                                                       Television
Anxiety                                                  Computers
Depression                                             Printers, photocopiers      
Pain                                                       Airplanes
Inadequate sleep, shift work (sleeping     Fluorescent lights
during the day)
Lack of meaning or purpose in life
          
1. (Shealy, pg.7, 1996)

Normally the body is able to balance these stressors, and align the body to a homeostatic level. However, if stress continues the body can adapt, which changes the efficiency of the stress reaction. Every time we adapt to one stressor, whether it be nicotine, electromagnetic radiation, inadequate sleep ect, then we lower our threshold for a new stressor. 2. (Selye,1974)

A non coffee drinking individual would ordinarily require a cup of coffee to double norepinephrine production, and someone who has adapted to cigarettes might only require two-thirds or half a cup of coffee. When you have adapted to three or four stressors, or even hundreds, it may take less than half as much of a new stress to cause an alarm reaction. The Stress builds up, and we become vulnerable to small stressors more and more.

Even though we become vulnerable to stress, interestingly enough we can also become addicted to the sensation of stress, especially if we grew up in a stressful environment, or were encouraged to place ourselves in stressful situations as teenagers to achieve success, higher grades, accolades and for winning competitions.
The neurotransmitter serotonin is also elevated during stressful times. Serrotinin tends to make us feel satiated or satisfied, and also makes us feel slightly euphoric. The release of high levels of serritonin could be a link to our addiction to stress.

Like caffeine, when Serotonin is released it triggers the release of adrenaline, which allows the body to work through the stress, as It kick starts our sympathetic nervous system (the Fight or Flight response) which quickens the heart rate, elevates blood pressure, increases our sensitivity to pain, light, sound and smell, increases aggression and speeds up mental activity.

This is obviously useful in life or death situations, and in stressful circumstances that we can not avoid. However, when we get bombarded by exogenous stressors mentioned in the chart above then we start to tax the body in many ways, which leads to a long list of health issues.

An overproduction of adrenaline causes nervousness, panic attacks, anxiety, phobias, extreme mood swings and bouts of aggression.  Also, as adrenalin is not quickly renewed,  if we become addicted to the sensation of serotonin and adrenalin in the body, stress, and or caffeine for that matter, for long duration's, our adrenal reserves get used up. This leads to symptoms of exhaustion, anxiety and depression, known as adrenal fatigue.

Over time the serotonin levels can decrease and we may develop a deficiency of Serotonin in the brain which can cause depression (now causes by adrenal fatigue and low serotonin) and it can also upset the appetite mechanism which may lead to obesity or other eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa and may be responsible for insomnia, as serotonin converts to melatonin which helps us sleep.

A person low in Serotonin will be inclined to consume greater amounts of sugar in an attempt to increase Serotonin production and this may lead to sugar addiction. 3.  (J. Plesman, The serotonin connection). Remembering sugar is an addictive and stressful chemical on the body, which may have gotten us here in the first place. Sugar addiction can then lead to insulin resistance, which causes unstable concentrations of blood glucose, causing fatigue, moodiness and sugar cravings, and can then lead to diabetes over time.

As we eat large amounts of sugar or refined carbohydrates, our insulin levels increase to mop up the sugar. The spike in insulin can also create a spike in some of our hormones known as androgen, mostly androstenedione and testosterone. This can then create hormonal imbalances, which can create PCOS, hirsutism (male hair growth patterns in women), male pattern balding, and over time aromatizes into estrogens. High Estrogens are linked in with incidence of endometriosis, fibroids, cysts, heavy / irregular periods and breast cancer.

This elevated insulin in this circumstance blocks the utilization of fat cells as a source of energy, thus causing obesity, or storing fat around the waist line. Wild fluctuations in blood sugar levels causes the body to produce excess adrenaline, once again.  The cycle continues.

These interrelationships of stress are almost certainly a prime contributor to the body’s loss of homeostasis and a gradual progression of chronic stress adaptation-maladaptation-exhaustion stages. It is probable that by the time you adapt to any given stress that it will be difficult for you body to maintain in balance in all hormonal levels.


The results of Chronic Stresss (Exhaustion)

Stress hormone Cortisol increases 24 hours a day
Sex hormone DHEA decreases
Insulin erratic (metabolic fluctuation)
Poor sleep recovery
Immune system significantly deficient
Major illnesses begin
-    Heart disease
-    Stroke
-    Cancer
-    Infection
-    Autoimmune disorders
-    Degenerative diseases

Although research shows a strong correlation between chemical, physical and emotional stress and patients diverse symptoms, most physicians do not evaluate even the most basic measures of stress, or address hormonal fluctuations.

When Cortisol (our stress hormone) is elevated in our body’s from Chronic stress and from the adaptation stress response then the body must use up a master hormone called Pregnenolone to then make Cortisol. The more Pregnenolone used up to make Cortisol, the less there is to make other hormones such as Progesterone, estrogen, DHEA, testosterone ect., which then has a cascade effect on mood, energy levels, libido, menstrual issues, fertility, immunity response, youthfulness, weight issues, high cholesterol, diabetes from insulin insufficiency, susceptibility to heart attack, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis and much more.


How to Combat Stress

Moderate exercise,

Increase water to 8 glasses a day,

Avoid creating a build up of serotonin in the body by allowing the serotonin to convert to melatonin at night time by going to bed before 10.00pm and having at least 8 hours rest a night in complete darkness. (See blog on Are you sleeping in the dark?).

Avoid situations that create volatile emotions

Avoid stressful situations that you can avoid like long distance running, sky diving, or driving to work in the city.

Meditate

Qi Gong, Yoga, deepen your breath

Listen to music.

Go for a walk.

Acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Avoid stressful foods like sugar and caffeine.

Avoid the use of SSRIS (Serotonin reuptake inhibitors). For depression try an everyday   a Hatha yoga or Tai qi class or practice at home. Eat food with Tryptophan, take B vitamin supplement and SAMe.

Reducing the use of electronic equipment which releases positive ions. Also use a negative ionizing machine, which will help balance serotonin levels.  (The Ionizing study) http://www.djclarke.co.uk/file06.html

Correct chemical and hormonal imbalances by a hypoglycemic diet together with an omega-3 fatty acids supplement.

Considering exposure to emotional stress may be  the main cause of symptoms, it is to seek some sort of emotional transformative counseling and or kinesiology.

Observe your addictions, and ask yourself “Why do I crave this, and does this serve me”?

This is THE treatment to restore a person to health.



1.    C. Shealy M.D. PhD, DHEA, The Youth and Health Hormone, Keats Publishing, Connecticut, 1996,  
2.    Selye.  H, Stress without Distress, Lippincott co, Philadelphia, 1974
3.    J. Plesman, BA(Psych), Post Grad Dip Clin Nut, The Serotonin Connection. www.hypoglycemia.asn.au/articles/serotonin_connection.html

Mercury and its effects on the Body.

It can be confusing to decide what to do about eating fish and shellfish. Fish and shellfish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which is the building block for hormones, including sex hormones. It is important to have Omega 3 in the diet because if your sex hormones become deplete then symptoms like low sex drive, infertility, low mood and energy levels just to name a few, may occur. Omega 3 is also a precursor in making a strain of hormone known as prostaglandin type 3, which reduces inflammatory cursors and thus overall pain in the body. Inflammatory cursors are elevated in arthritic conditions and other painful conditions like long standing period pain and migraines.
Fish is a good source of quality protein and low in saturated fat. Eating fish can contribute to a healthy heart, and is also important in the brain growth and development in children.
Unfortunately, along with the protein and fatty acids, many types of fish and shellfish contain methylmercury. Mercury is a toxic metal with significant effects on the thyroid.  While large doses of mercury can induce hyperthyroidism, smaller amounts can induce hypothyroidism by interfering with both the production of thyroxin (T4) and the conversion of T4 to T3. Mercury disturbs the metabolism of copper and zinc which are two minerals critical to thyroid function.  Gray hair can be an indication of mercury accumulation, more so in females than males.
Mercury causes disruptions to the immune system functioning and promotes the production of IgG and IgE autoantibodies which also are involved in autoimmune thyroid disease and inflammatory conditions.
Mercury has a very long half-life in the body and has been found in cancerous tissues.
It also has a negative impact on the brain and nervous system, specifically affecting memory, attention span, cognitive thinking skills, language development and visual and fine motor skills especially in children. This is seen particularly in babies who were exposed to methylmercury in the womb through their mother's eating of fish and shellfish during pregnancy.
Methylmercury can build up in your body. This means that even if you aren't pregnant now, methylmercury buildup from overconsumption of fish could still be present if you become pregnant up to a year later. For this reason, any woman who plans to become pregnant in the future should try to follow the same recommendations as those who are pregnant or nursing.



LEAST MERCURY
Select Freely from this list   
Anchovies***
Butterfish
Catfish
Clam
Crab (Domestic)
Crawfish/Crayfish
Croaker (Atlantic)
Flounder*
Haddock (Atlantic)*
Hake
Herring
Mackerel (N. Atlantic, Chub)
Mullet
Oyster
Perch (Ocean)     Plaice
Pollock
Salmon (Canned & Fresh)**
Sardine***
Scallop*
Shrimp*
Sole (Pacific)
Squid (Calamari)
Tilapia
Trout (Freshwater)
Whitefish
Whiting   

MODERATE MERCURY
eat six servings or less per month
Bass (Striped, Black)
Carp
Cod (Alaskan)*
Croaker (White Pacific)
Halibut (Atlantic)*
Halibut (Pacific)
Jacksmelt
(Silverside)
Lobster
Mahi Mahi
Monkfish*   
Perch (Freshwater)
Sablefish
Skate*
Snapper*
Tuna (Canned
chunk light)
Tuna (Skipjack)*
Sea Trout


HIGH MERCURY
Eat three servings or less per month   
Avoid eating:
Bluefish
Grouper*
Mackerel (Spanish, Gulf)
Sea Bass (Chilean)*
Tuna (Canned Albacore)
Tuna (Yellowfin)*   

HIGHEST MERCURY
Avoid Eating
Mackerel (King)
Marlin*
Orange Roughy*
Shark*
Swordfish*
Tilefish*
Tuna
(Bigeye, Ahi)*

Least mercury: Less than 0.09 parts per million, Moderate mercury: From 0.09 to 0.29 parts per million, High mercury: From 0.3 to 0.49 parts per million, Highest mercury: More than .5 parts per million (not suitable for human consumption)
* These fish are endangered due to overfishing   ** Farmed salmon contains higher levels of PCBs (in  the fat portion)
*** Fish are high in purines – not recommended for gout sufferers


Where has the fish been farmed?
Look or ask where the fish has been farmed or what part of the worlds ocean has the fish has been pulled from. Buying fish from Australia and New Zealand is always safer than parts of Asia and South America where Mercury levels in the water are higher.

Amalgam Fillings and Mercury
There is ample evidence that mercury leaches from dental amalgam fillings and contributes to thyroid disease and anemia.  If you have any amalgam fillings in your teeth the mercury is known to leak into the body after many years.  It is advisable to pull out amalgam fillings at least a year before you fall pregnant. If you have many fillings then you should pull them out one at a time, as it has been found that pulling the filling out also releases Mercury. So as to not overload the body with mercury toxicity during the removal, do not get them removed all at once.

Vaccines
Perhaps the negative effects we see from vaccines are at least partially the result of toxic metals. The association of autism with vaccinations may be related to mercury toxicity. Please think about how many vaccines you administer to your child at one time, as there are studies showing sudden autistic behavior after a large vaccination course administered in close succession.

Contact Lens Solution
Thimerosal is the mercury-containing preservative that was used in contact lens solutions. Hopefully there are no more of these solutions on the market but if you use contact lens solutions check the label.

How do I clear Mercury from my Body?
Milk and quite likely estrogen cause an increase in the absorption of mercury., so removing dairy or reducing dairy consumption may help. Also, doing a hormonal test to see if your estrogen levels are in a good range and not elevated is also advisable. Elevated estrogen levels, also known as estrogen dominance is quite common these days with so many xeno-estrogens in our foods, food containers, and with the use of hormonal contraceptives.
Selenium is the key mineral which protects the body from mercury toxicity.  One study showed that cilantro (Chinese parsley) helps remove mercury from the body and protects the body from pre-cancerous lesions. Also, Zeolites can remove heavy metal toxicity from the body if taken consistently for a few months.

Out of Sorts, tired, low mood? Are you sleeping in the dark? How could staying awake late into the night be detrimental to your health?

The Yin and Yang Hormones of the Pineal gland, and the link between Serotonin and Melatonin Production in relation to light sensitivity via the Pineal gland.

The pineal gland is the size of a pea lying in the center of the midbrain. It reaches its largest mass during childhood, and calcifies and shrinks with age. It is responsible for the production of both neurohormones, Melatonin and Serotonin.

The Pineal Gland is necessary to regulate the function of all organs of the Endocrine System in the body, these are the Pituitary Gland, Thyroid + Parathyroid Glands; thymus, adrenals, Pancreas, and the Ovaries/Testes.
All of the endocrine organs/glands secrete their hormones into the blood stream. The Pituitary Gland stimulates the secretion of these hormones, while the Pineal Gland applies the brakes on them through Melatonin. If the endocrine organs/glands release too much of their hormones, ie. when we are stressed, then the Pineal Gland releases Melatonin to counteract these hormones. This means that Melatonin protects the body from exhaustion of hormones and energy, and the aging process.
Melatonin also up regulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which calms the body and mind. It is made at night time, and protects the body from exhaustion, which in Chinese Medicine this is known as a Yin attribute.
Yin and yang can be looked at like an oil burner, the yang is the flame and the yin is the oil. The fire or the body is dependant on the nourishment of the oil. If the oil is used up, the oil burner cracks and dries up. It is an interesting link to make that Melatonin is a Yin hormone and Serotonin is a Yang hormone, and both are interdependent upon each other.

The Pineal Gland is a photosensitive organ, and how it functions is dependent upon light. The amount of Melatonin produced by the pineal gland is determined by the amount of light received during the night, less light means more melatonin is produced, more light means we produce less melatonin. During nighttime sleep, melatonin levels in the body rise, reaching a peak between 11 PM and 2 AM, and then drop dramatically when a new day dawns. Interestingly, these are the same hours in which the Chinese believe the body makes Yin substances.
So when the body no longer receives light the Pineal releases melatonin, and its partner hormone Serotonin is at its lowest levels, and vice versa, melatonin production is reduced when the body perceives light and serotonin production is increased. Meditation (a Yin activity) has also found to increase melatonin levels.
It has recently been discovered that the pineal gland detects light through the whole body, not just through the retina in the eye. This means that even if you wear an eye mask at night, the pineal gland will still detect light being emitted under your door, or through cracks in your blinds. So ensure that your room is inky black at night by sealing up all cracks that may let light in. This will ensure that the pineal gland makes the right amount of melatonin, and does not over produce Serotonin (more on this discussed later).
The Effects of Melatonin.

Melatonin alleviates mental stress, improves sleep, adjusts the body's biological clock, relieves jet lag, strengthens immunity, increases the body's resistance to germs and viruses, and prevents cancer and senile dementia. This is why night workers and those who sleep with the light on have a lower immunity to disease and a higher propensity to develop cancer than others.
It also controls over-stimulation of the sympathetic nerves to lower blood pressure and slow the heart rate, thus reducing the impact on the heart, and due to its calming effect on the body it can also up regulate the digestive system.

Two studies in the U.S. have shown that bright light at night reduces melatonin production and induces estrogen secretion in women, which in turn increases the incidence of breast cancer among female night workers. Research on infants who died from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) found that the babies had underdeveloped pineal glands, which lowered melatonin levels and weakened the brain's ability to deal with free radicals (molecules with an unpaired electron), thus making the brain vulnerable to free radical damage. Another study on children and adult hypochondria suggests that the melatonin levels of psychiatric patients are lower than those of healthy people.

Serotonin

Serotonin is found to have a large effect on our mood and perception, but it is also a muscle- and vasoconstrictor, and plays an important role in sleep, appetite, memory, aggression, sexual behavior, cardiovascular activity, respiratory activity, motor output, sensory and neuroendocrine function. Serotonin gets released when stress is involved. The increased serotonin triggers the release of adrenaline, which allows the body to work through the stress.

It is important to note that SSRI-AntiDepressants activate Serotonin receptors. When you elevate your serotonin levels the stress hormones cortisol and adrenalin are secreted from the adrenal glands. They give the human personality a boost, producing a euphoric state, which can last for a prolonged period of time. This is how SSRI-AntiDepressants initially produce the deceptive results the doctor and patient are both expecting.
It is important to note that if patient takes SSRI’s for a prolonged period of time, or they have too much prolonged light exposure increasing their serotonin production and thus an increase of the stress hormones being released, this will drain the adrenal glands to exhaustion. Initially the stress hormones are elevated, and then they crash to very low levels when adrenal exhaustion sets in. If untreated, Adrenal Exhaustion will lead to seriously declining physical health. Many (former) SSRI-AntiDepressant users reported fatigue as a long term side-effect or were diagnosed with "Chronigue Fatigue Syndrome." People suffering from stress are generally diagnosed with this disorder. Symptoms range from simple exhaustion to much more complex problems that are secondary to excessive output of adrenal hormones in the bloodstream, leading to Adrenal Exhaustion. Unlike the other hormones, it takes a long time before the Adrenal Glands have their adrenaline levels restored.

An increase in serotonin levels also produces rushes of insulin, dropping sugar levels and chemically inducing hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) in this way. Heightened insulin levels are also closely linked with an increase of hormones known as androgens, which is linked with female hirsutism (male hair growth patterns) and PCOS – Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome). Furthermore it has been established that too much serotonin damages blood vessels, particularly in the lungs, and may also harm heart valves. This would be due to the fact that serotonin is a powerful vasoconstrictor.

What does this mean and how to treat
Melatonin levels must be in a good balance with their Yang partner Serotonin. It seems in a hyper stimulated society that elevated Serotonin levels seem to be a predominant factor. So Increasing melatonin and decreasing serotonin and corresponding stress hormones may be the way forward.
As melatonin levels reach a peak between 11 PM and 2 AM, and then drop dramatically when a new day dawns, you should get to bed early and turn off the lights to ensure that you are in deep sleep between 11PM and 2 AM, and that there is enough dark time for the full production of Melatonin to take place, and there is complete darkness in the room that you sleep in.
Together with the Pituitary Gland, the pineal gland has the next highest blood circulation after the kidneys. As the pineal gland is dependant and nourished by a good blood supply, inversions that bring blood flow to the head are beneficial.
It is not protected by the blood-brain barrier and therefore the Pineal gland is fragile to any substance entering the bloodstream. It is, for instance, very sensitive to fluoride which is put into most of Australia’s tap water systems. A water filter that removes fluoride will be helpful.

How Can I Influence my Melatonin Levels?
Melatonin exists in small quantities in many plant species, it may be helpful to include them in your diet : oats, sweet corn, rice, ginger, tomatoes, bananas and barley. Intake of other foods such as kelp, soy beans, pumpkin seeds, water melon seeds, almonds, peanuts, yeast, malt, and milk.
Lower food intake ensures normal melatonin levels. Research shows that old mice given less food have healthy pineal glands like those of young mice, and can regulate melatonin production. Their melatonin levels are 80 percent of those found in young mice, compared to 40 percent for old mice without food restriction.
Research shows that melatonin production is higher in women who meditate. Physical exercise during the day increases melatonin levels, while night exercises have the opposite effect. Therefore, it is advisable to eat less, meditate, exercise and work during daylight hours.
The Pineal Gland is sensitive to electromagnetic fields (EMF), thus, electromagnetic waves from computer monitors, cellular phones, microwave ovens, and high voltage lines, suppress the activity of the Pineal Gland and reduce melatonin production. EMF also affects serotonin production. So ensure you turn off your mobile phone and all electrical appliances via the electrical output before you go to bed, and reduce the amount of time you spend talking on your mobile, and how often you use your microwave. Move away from high voltage lines!
Another factor involved in affecting the Pineal Gland can be excessive high or even toxic levels of an SSRI-AntiDepressant in the bloodstream. Certain individuals have a metabolic deficiency in the metabolism of anti-depressant medication named the cytochrome P-450 enzyme which clears out any build up of SSRI’s. Grapefruit juice can help to stimulate this pathway in the liver to promote detoxification via this pathway.

The High FSH Craze

The High FSH Craze

Within the last ten to 15 years, reproductive medicine has made quite a fuss made over high Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) levels. Chinese medicine doesn’t focus so much on the unqualified meaning of laboratory values like Western medicine does; we view lab results energetically according to what is behind them, rather than providing meaning to the absolute numerical value.

The body energetically views the ovaries as “essence”, an elemental potential, like the primordial follicles within them. Follicles are only potential until they begin to interact with their internal environment, which is responding to cues coming from our interpretation of our external environment. All of this is subject to change when we change our internal environment, and our response to our external environment. FSH, on the other hand, is viewed as “heat”, which activates the potential of the ovaries’ essence in the form of eggs, and resulting blood levels of estradiol (or yin). When the essence is adequate, it doesn’t require much heat to ignite the ovaries. When the essence is weak (due to stress, lack of restoration, follicular malnourishment, and the demands of life), it takes more heat to induce the necessary ovarian response, indicative of present ovarian health.

To put it simply and in energetic terms, those who have high FSH and low estradiol levels generally have too much heat, in relation to the underlying essence capable of responding to FSH stimulation. Although optimal FSH values are seen as <10, The Fertile Soul Method ® has helped women whose FSH values are well over 100 conceive naturally. First, however, we have had to energetically reduce their heat, and maximize their essence, which allows the FSH to activate healthy follicles.

Although Western medicine views the reproductive system as an ever deteriorating disease process waiting for intervention, Chinese medicine employs a different lens. We view the body/mind/spirit as an ever adaptive system, which, when given appropriate environmental cues, has a miraculous ability to manifest its highest potential.

How to relieve Morning Sickness

Morning Sickness

Symptoms of “morning sickness” may start at any time from the time of the first missed period, or not until the 10th week of pregnancy. Morning sickness can occur at any time of the day, in the morning, later in the day, or throughout the day. Roughly 75% of women suffer from morning sickness, and a small percentage of women experience ongoing symptoms beyond the first trimester.

To relieve morning symptoms

Try to have a low fat protein snack such as yoghurt or nuts immediately before bed. This can help to sustain you throughout the night, as morning sickness can be exacerbated by hunger.

In the morning before getting up, eat a plain biscuit or a banana. Remain in bed for about 15 minutes, then slowly rise and have a light breakfast.

For symptoms that persist during the day

Where possible, REST when your body calls for it. Put your feet up with your head slightly elevated and rest. Get help with home and work commitments wherever possible.

Eat small, frequent meals, ie 6 meals per day instead of 3. Some women find that nausea is reduced if they don’t have food and fluid at the same time.

Don’t take your emotions to mealtimes, create a calm atmosphere and allow yourself ample time to eat your meal.

Avoid high fat foods especially fried foods.

Avoid spicy foods and any foods that you know upset you.

If the smell of cooking or hot food makes you feel ill, try to eat cold foods instead.


Fluid Intake
Fluid intake is vital, especially if your symptoms are moderate to severe. Ensure you are getting enough fluid. 6-8 glasses per day is a minimum.

If you find water difficult to swallow at this time, try the following which can help you to get some nutrients and stay hydrated:
weak tea
diluted fruit or vegetable juices
flat lemonade
dry ginger ale
cordial
milk drinks
sports drinks

Still Struggling?
If you are really struggling even to keep down fluids, and you are already using the acupressure points suggested, an acupuncture treatment can help to more powerfully clear the nausea and vomiting. See also the information about the herbal capsules.


Snacking
Snacking can help to reduce symptoms of nausea. Stick mostly with plain and bland foods at this stage:
- Toast with jam or honey
- Sandwiches with low fat fillings
- Baked potato with baked beans
- Low fat milk puddings and yoghurt
- Breakfast cereal with low fat milk
- Boiled or scrambled eggs
- Fruit salad, stewed or fresh fruit
- Low fat soups
- Cold meat/fish (home cooked)
- Boiled rice



Supplements that can assist
B6 can reduce severe nausea and vomiting, and is best taken as part of a B complex, or sourced from sesame seeds, chick peas, bananas, sweetcorn, raisins, hazelnuts
Magnesium is depleted by vomiting. Nuts, pumpkin seeds, beans, avocado and broccoli are good sources.
Zinc requirements increase during pregnancy, zinc deficiency can worsen nausea. Ginger is a good source of zinc.

Herbal Medicines
In your kit you have been given a course of anti-nausea herbal capsules.

These capsules are proven by research to reduce morning sickness, and do not contain ingredients that would harm the baby or compromise the pregnancy in any way.

Dose: 1-2 capsules each time, up to 4 times per day. Take only as needed.

Further information about this formula, including research trials conducted, please contact the clinic.

Still No Improvement?
If symptoms are severe despite following the earlier mentioned actions, please seek medical attention.

It is important that you are able to ingest appropriate amounts of nutrients and fluids to avoid dehydration and potential risks to the pregnancy.

The vicious relationship between fatigue and aging.

With the pressures of a modern life: working, being a parent, having a social life, exercising, eating well, further education, traveling to and from - it’s exhausting. We are seeing extreme fatigue in the clinic more frequently as this completely exhausting lifestyle is taking its toll on our society. Clients are presenting with a slew of symptoms that with some juggling are able to be well treated with our form of medicine. In the world of complementary and alternative medicine it is often called Adrenal Fatigue.

But in the world of modern medicine, this condition doesn’t have a real label, sometimes it’s called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome if it’s severe enough, but a lot of the time it’s outside of the reach of standard blood tests and patients are told there’s nothing wrong with them. From 1850s to 1920s medicine talked a lot about Hypoadrenia or Adrenal Fatigue, now the modern diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency is reserved for those on the brink of death, or with only a small percentage of functioning adrenal glands remaining.

What is known in the medical world is that poorly functioning adrenal glands land you in a whole heap of trouble, problems ranging from impaired glucose metabolism to increased mortality from heart attack.

The adrenal glands In addition to helping you handle stress, make two primary hormones known as adrenaline and cortisol, which help control body fluid balance, blood pressure, blood sugar, and other central metabolic functions.

When you experience fatigue, it could be a sign of many other symptoms to come if you do not address it. Here is some lifestyle and dietary advice to address adrenal insufficiency naturally.


Lifestyle/Diet Advice
•    Protein snack before bed
•    Get to sleep before 10pm (between 10 p.m. and 1 a.m., our adrenals work the hardest to repair the body) , sleep in until 9am if possible
•    Do the things that you like
•    Laugh several times a day
•    Avoid getting over-tired
•    Avoid coffee or other caffeine containing beverages
•    Have a glass of water in the morning with 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of good quality sea salt (provided blood pressure is ok)
•    Breakfast: protein breakfast, no carbs and definitely no fruit
•    Fruit is ok from lunchtime onwards, but with a meal not on its own
•    Try to have a small early lunch at 11ish, then another lunch at 2-3pm.
•    Avoid gluten grains (wheat, oats, rye, barley)
•    Avoid starchy foods such as potato, pasta, bread
•    Avoid trans-fat such as French fries
•    Avoid fruits high in potassium such as bananas, figs, melons and grapefruit
•    Never skip breakfast
•    Avoid TV and Computers. Some people may be photosensitive. Watching television or working at the computer may prevent the melatonin level from rising to induce sleep. If you are one of these people, you should turn off your television or computer by around 8 p.m. at night.
•    Replenish you glycogen supply and eat breakfast before 10.00 am
•    Eat frequent small nutritious meals through out the day, to supplement on low energy times.
•    To provide energy over a longer period of time combine good fats with protein and whole grains at every meal and snack.
•    Whole grains are brown rice, wheat grain (cook like rice), buckwheat, quinoa, millet, amaranth
•    Eat raw and fresh nuts (shell them yourself and soak in water) and store in the freezer, as a light quick snack.
•    Good protein includes meat, eggs, dairy and legumes.
•    To aid in breaking down protein and high fiber foods trying taking digestive enzymes and Hydrochloric Acid with meals.
•    Mix 1 – 2 tbsp of essential oils into meals daily (Fish, Flax, Coconut, Hemp)
•    Avoid foods that are high in potassium as they make adrenal fatigue worse – Banana, dried fig, Raisins, Dates, Oranges, Grapefruit, Apricots, Avocado, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Kiwi, Lima beans, Milk, Potatoes, Prunes, Spinach, Tomatoes, Fruit & Vegetable juice, Winter squash
•    Avoid dropping your blood glucose quickly- this leaves you with unhealthy cravings for more energy. Foods that do this are - Refined flour products: pasta, white rice, bread, pastry, baked goods, coffee, tea, black tea, hot chocolate, alcohol, colas, chocolate, honey, sugar, syrups and soft drinks.
•    Avoid dropping Blood sugar levels especially in morning so avoid fruit and fruit & vegetable juice.
•    Avoid Rushed and hectic meals. Take your time, slow down, concentrate on eating and digesting.
•    Avoid transfats – especially deep fried foods.
•    All cooked food and NO raw food, except sprouts.



Low Energy and the Endocrine system.

As the adrenals are part of a whole system of glands that work synergistically together, when the adrenal glands fatigue so do all of the other glands over time. This means that most people, who are suffering long term fatigue, typically have what’s known as Endocrine dysfunction. With time, after we deplete our adrenals from chronic stress, over work, long hours and late nights, the body starts to pull energy from other glands and depletion occurs in all of the Endocrine glands, being the adrenals, ovaries, testes, thyroid, thymus, pituitary and thus a depletion occurs in all of the hormones they produce. In the long run we will not only suffer from signs of fatigue but decreased libido, compromised immunity, depression, weight gain, hot flashes, increased visual and internal signs of aging just to name a few.


Some adrenal hormones assist in the conversion of T-4 to T-3, (Thyroid hormones) and perhaps assist in the final effect of T-3 on the tissues. Some scientists believe that even the entrance of thyroid hormone into our cells is under the influence of adrenal hormones. Thus, if your adrenal level is low enough, you might do well to take both adrenal and thyroid supplements together. New studies are showing that many people go undiagnosed with thyroid insufficiency as blood test for T3- and T4 are not an accurate diagnostic tool, and thus, signs and symptoms are the best way to determine the health of you thyroid. For more information go to -   stopthethyroidmadness.com. To test you adrenals you may want to do a saliva Cortisol (stress hormones) check.

Long periods of stress creates elevated Cortisol, which then results in "stealing" of the master hormone pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is used to make most of the sex hormones in our body, and when it is used up by just making the “stress hormones” it becomes less available for the production and conversion of the other sex homrmones like progesterone, the sex hormone precursor DHEA and aldosterone in the kidneys, leaving the kidneys and sex hormones depleted.

DHEA

Overwhelming fatigue is the most common symptom of low Dhea. Other signs are depression, less muscle and bone mass, pain in the joints, decreased libido, dry skin and eyes, poor memory, difficulty in losing weight and a weekend immune system.

As the body manufactures around half of the hormone Dhea as it used to by age 40, we must be cautious to reduce chronic stress, long hours and late nights at this time.  .
To prevent endocrine disorder you must:
•    Reduce stress and Anger
•    Boost your immune system and prevent chronic illness and infection
•    Check to see if you have a Parasitic or  bacterial infection, which includes, candida, homminus Blastisis,  Giardia, round worm,  and H. pylori.
•    Address chronic pain issues
•    Find natural ways to treat depression, ad get pro-active about your lifestyle.
•    Reduce excessive exercise
•    Address feelings of fear and guilt
•    If you suspect you are gluten intolerance, go and check.
•    Prevent Low blood sugar by reducing foods and drinks that spike blood sugar and eat wholefood protein snacks through the day.
•    Treat mal-absorption with bifidous suppliments and herbal remidies.
•    Mal-digestion with digestive enzymes and HCL.
•    Get a blood test to see your levels of toxic exposure, especially if you have mercury fillings in your teeth, or are exposed to chemicals and pesticides in your job.
•    Aim to cut out severe and chronic stress
•    Reduce you “Late hours” and go to bed before 10pm at least 5 nights a week. Sleep deprivation soaks up your hormones, ages you rapidly and drains your adrenals.
•    Excessive Exercise
•    Reduce excessive sugar in your diet. Check everything that you eat to see the sugar content.
•    Treat chronically infected root canals.


Supplementing with Maca Powder may also be helpful as it assist your body by balancing the endocrine system - thyroid, pituitary, pancreas and adrenal glands to function optimally, thus boosting energy and libido. As Maca boost the glands that make hormones some women choose to eat Maca Powder as an alternative to taking artificial hormone. No potential interactions have been reported.

Chinese Medicine can offer a range of Herbal tonics for your specific body requirements. The cause for low energy is not he same in everyone, so visiting a trained Chinese Herbal Specialist may help you build your natural energy levels fast. 

Vitamins that help supplement the Adrenals are
Vitamin C, pantethanic acid (B5), magnesium, and vitamin E

How to naturally treat Painful Periods

According to Chinese Medicine, one of the main reasons why a woman would experience period pain is due to ‘Stagnant’ Liver energy or ‘Qi”.

According to the philosophy of Chinese medicine, the liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body, freeing up pain and smoothing out our reactions and emotions under stressful conditions. Painful periods, irregular periods, PMS, anger, irritability, and frustration are all signs that our Qi is not flowing smoothly.

Liver Qi stagnation is one of the most common conditions treated by Traditional Chinese Medicine in developed countries, like Australia.

Some of the symptoms commonly associated with Liver Qi stagnation are:
•    Pain or discomfort anywhere along the sides of the body, or during menstruation
•    Irregular periods
•    Depression
•    Mood swings
•    PMS with irritability and swollen breasts
•    Sighing
•    Hiccups
•    Frustration
•    Inappropriate anger
•    Sensation of a lump in throat
•    Difficulty swallowing
•    Bitter taste in mouth
•    Constipation
•    Abdominal pain and discomfort
•    Stomachache that improves after massage
•    Stomachache that worsens with anger
•    Poor appetite
•    Churning sensation in stomach

The health of your liver reflects your overall health and well-being.  The Liver is responsible for:
Converting carbohydrates into glucose, thus an important organ for energy production.

Filtering and neutralising drugs, including alcohol, and hormones such as estrogen.

The liver also filters over a liter of blood every minute. It is responsible for detoxifying, nourishing, replenishing, and storing blood.

It also recombines amino acids to create the protein our bodies need to grow and repair tissue, and aiding in the production of body proteins such as hormones.

Changing ammonia (a toxic by-product of protein metabolism) into urea, which is then excreted in urine.

Bile production, which is then stored in the gall bladder and used to help break down dietary fats. This is crucial also for weight loss. Fat soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, D, E and K need bile in order to be absorbed by the body.

If the Liver becomes over loaded it becomes toxic, or what is known as ‘Stagnant’.  The liver can become overloaded with dietary and environmental toxins, or hormone may build up like estrogen. When this happens the condition is known as Estrogen dominance.

Recommendations to Improve Liver Qi Stagnation:

General Principles

Eat less processed foods, and more freshly cooked meals. When eating out, choose meals that are prepared with less oil, sugar and salt. The best cooking methods are stir frying, poaching and steaming. Schedule main, heavier meals for the earlier part of the day where possible. Simplify your meals, don’t have too many food groups in one meal.

Up your intake of vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables and red vegetables. Aim for 3 cups of vegetables each day, and minimum of 2 pieces of fruit each day. 6-8 glasses of water each day as a target, more in summer. A high protein diet will contribute to “qi stagnation”; it is best to focus on the quality of protein consumed rather than the quantity.

Check packaging for additives, sugar and salt. Try to choose brands without preservatives, and with sugar and salt lower on the list. Remember that ingredients are listed from highest to lowest content. Avoid MSG (and related additives) wherever possible. Look for numbers 620-640 (flavour enhancers). Number 621 is MSG. Artificial sweeteners should also be avoided where possible.

Reduce caffeine, carbonated drinks, alcohol, cigarettes, recreational drugs, fatty foods, sugar and salt. Replace with herbal tea or coffee substitute, water or diluted fresh juice, freshly cooked meals.

Turbulent or volatile emotions at meal times are especially detrimental; meals should be eaten in a calm and relaxed environment. Relax whilst you’re eating and enjoy your food, and avoid eating whilst working, reading or watching TV. Ensure to leave adequate time each day to relax, whether meditating, listening to music, gardening etc. or some other form of activity that doesn’t involve reading or watching TV.

Reducing your workload and the amount of time you spend at work, spending time at least once each week doing something you enjoy. Where possible, get to bed before 11pm, try to avoid burning the candle at both ends. Remain conscious of where your true energy levels are and avoid “running on empty”.

Avoid eating too late in the evening, try to have your final meal by 7pm. Your body needs to rest at night, not spending all night digesting your dinner. Your energy levels can be quite low in the morning if you’ve had a large meal before going to bed.

Recommended Foods (Eat More)

Vegetables: artichoke, asparagus, beet, beet leaves, brussels sprouts, carrot, celery, cucumber, green leafy vegetables rich with chlorophyll, a small amount of lemon with warm water on an empty stomach, lettuce (cos), mung bean sprouts, mushroom, rhubarb, seaweeds

Fruit: apple, coconut, mango, mulberries, passion fruit, pear, persimmon, plum, watermelon

Grains: millet, pearl barley, rice

Meat: Small amounts of organic beef, turkey, chicken

Nuts, seeds, legumes: flaxseed (linseed), flaxseed oil, mung beans, pine nuts, soy beans, tofu, yellow beans, yellow bean sprouts,

Fish: tuna, anchovy, halibut

Herbs: basil, dill, fennel, rosemary

Spices: cardamom, cumin,

Beverages: cow’s milk, soy milk, peppermint tea, green tea

Restrict/Avoid (Eat Less)

Foods that upset the Liver such as: Alcohol, coffee, spicy food, sugar, fried foods, fatty red meat, sweets, preservatives, additives, recreational drugs.

Heating foods: cinnamon, garlic, ginger, onion, shallots, leek, basil, cloves, wasabi, lamb, prawns, veal, pigeon, game birds, vinegar, citrus, pickles, coffee, tea, cigarettes, alcohol and recreational stimulants (amphetamines, cocaine, ecstasy).

Foods that are bad for the skin/skin disorders: chili, coriander, shellfish (including crayfish, lobster, mussels, oysters, prawns, shrimp)

Acupressure Points for Moving Qi

A popular treatment for the stress, anger, and frustration associated with Liver Qi Stagnation is known as the “four gates.” The four gates are the right and left side acupuncture points Lv 3–Liver 3 and Large Intestine 4.

Liver 3 is at the top of your foot, in the valley between your big toe and second toe.

Large Intestine 4  is found between the bones of the thumb and first finger). It lies at the highest point formed when the thumb is brought to rest against the index finger.

This can also be combined with LV13, located on the end of the 11th floating rib.

Castor Oil Pack Instructions

Indications: To remove blockages from any part of the body  –Endometriosis, PCOS, infertility, blocked tubes, phlegm cysts, lumpy breast, prostate blockage.

You will need:
Castor Oil
An old towel
Glad wrap
Hot water bottle (optional)

Instructions:

Warm ½ cup of Castor Oil on the stove.

Soak an old towel with the warmed oil

Whilst the oil is still warm on the towel, place the towel on your abdomen from the base of your ribs to pubic bone. (If using the castor oil pack for lumpy breast of cysyts in the body, place in that area.

Then wrap yourself in glad wrap, so the towel is unable to come off and you can protect your sheets from stains..

Place a Hot water bottle over you’re the wrap (optional, but for best results use the heat)

Go to bed and take it off in the morning.