A great alternative to dairy cheese & spreads.

- 190 grams (1 1/2 cups) plain cashew nuts (not roasted or salted) - 60 to 80 ml (1/4 to 1/3 cup) water - 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice or good vinegar - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt - freshly ground read more]]> This raw-food recipe is sooooooo good!

A great alternative to dairy cheese & spreads.

- 190 grams (1 1/2 cups) plain cashew nuts (not roasted or salted)
- 60 to 80 ml (1/4 to 1/3 cup) water
- 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice or good vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- freshly ground pepper

Makes about 1 1/2 cups.

Place the nuts in a salad bowl, cover with fresh water, and let stand for 2 hours.

Drain the nuts and place them in the bowl of a food processor or blender. Add 60 ml (1/4 cup) water and the rest of the ingredients, and mix until thoroughly puréed, stopping to scrape the sides of the bowl every once in a while. Add a little more water and blend again to adjust the consistency, if necessary; the cheese will get a little more solid as it sets.

Transfer to a bowl, cover, and let stand somewhere cool for 24 hours before placing in the fridge, where it will keep for another 5 days

Enjoy!

Wow, what an inspiring film this was!

Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with diabetes who switch to a diet consisting entirely of vegan, organic, uncooked food in order to reverse disease without pharmaceutical medication. The six are challenged to give up meat, dairy, sugar, read more]]> Simply Raw

Wow, what an inspiring film this was!

Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days is an independent documentary film that chronicles six Americans with diabetes who switch to a diet consisting entirely of vegan, organic, uncooked food in order to reverse disease without pharmaceutical medication. The six are challenged to give up meat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, soda, junk food, fast food, processed food, packaged food, and even cooked food for 30 days. The film follows each participant’s remarkable journey and captures the medical, physical, and emotional transformations brought on by this radical diet and lifestyle change. We witness moments of struggle, support, and hope as what is revealed, with startling clarity, is that diet can reverse disease and change lives.

The film highlights each of the six before they begin the program and we first meet them in their home environment with their families. Each participant speaks candidly about their struggle to manage their diabetes and how it has affected every aspect of their life, from work to home to their relationships.

Click here to see video preview

There are many health benefits associated with detoxification, and in today’s world detoxing is important. Unfortunately toxins are very common in our everyday environment. Some examples of these toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals, food additives, and pollutants that are present in the air, read more]]> Spring is an ideal time to start on a good Detox Program!

There are many health benefits associated with detoxification, and in today’s world detoxing is important. Unfortunately toxins are very common in our everyday environment. Some examples of these toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, chemicals, food additives, and pollutants that are present in the air, water and food that we consume. As well as being exposed to these environmental pollutants, toxins may also be generated internally by bacteria, yeasts and parasites in your digestive system. These internally-generated toxins are then absorbed into your bloodstream, ultimately affecting your health. Rather than allowing these toxins to continue to build up in your body, you can use a detoxification program, such as the one we have prescribed for you, to remove these toxins safely.

As any good naturopath will be able to tell you, the term detoxification is defined as a process by which the liver makes toxins safe for excretion. These can be toxins taken in through food, air, water and our skin, and also those endogenous toxins we produce within our body from natural metabolic processes. This is a function which happens within our body all day every day – it is a natural process – and we enhance this natural action when we engage in an authentic detoxification program.

A good detoxification program will involve three essential areas:

1) lowering the amount of chemicals and toxic foods being ingested

2) providing nutrients to enhance the body’s natural processes

3) supporting the organs of elimination in clearing toxins out of the body quickly and safely

Unfortunately most of the fad “detox diets” don’t cover all of these areas. They may lower the chemicals being ingested by taking in only juices and certain foods, but they don’t usually address the specific nutrients needed to support the liver’s function in binding and excreting toxins, and they also don’t provide support to assist in moving the toxins out of the body. These supports can include far-infrared sauna’s, yoga, breathing techniques, skin brushing, bowel cleansing or colonics – and ideally all of these.

These 3 steps are vital in getting good, long-term results, and only these type of comprehensive detoxification programs should be undertaken, and under the supervision of a qualified naturopath who has experience in, and understands what is happening in the body during the program.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of toxicity?
. Recurrent headaches
. Muscle aching and weakness
. Nerve pain or numbness
. Recurrent infections
. Poor short-term memory and concentration
. Sensitivity to environmental chemicals, odours and/or nutritional supplements
. Chronic fatigue and lethargy
. Anxiety and/or mood swings

Getting Started on the New You!

To complete these very important steps of detoxification, you will be using some natural supplements that are specific in successfully removing toxins and restoring your health. As with any detox program it is also essential that we consider some dietary changes as well:
- Always choose fresh seasonal fruit and vegetables. It is always preferable to buy organic produce when possible.
- Avoid packaged and processed foods as much as possible.
- Remove foods containing artificial colours, flavours, additives, stabilisers and flavour enhancers as well as foods containing hydrogenated fats.
- Read ingredient lists on products to ensure that the food does not contain high amounts of saturated fat, gluten or sugar.
- Add fresh vegetable juice to your diet if possible.
-  Choose soy milk made from whole soy beans (not soy isolates) and one that is low in sugar and free from preservatives.

Congratulations on getting started on your Detox Program!
Let’s take a look at what is involved:
- Firstly we will concentrate on the removal of “bad bugs” from your digestive system.
- Secondly we need to replace the “bad bugs” with healthy ones to improve digestive function. We will also heal and repair your digestive tract.
-  Lastly we will be completing the program by looking at supporting and enhancing the capacity of your kidneys and liver to assist in the removal of wastes.
We can provide you with a detox booklet, outlining foods to enjoy and foods to avoid during your program with a shopping list and some recipe ideas attached for your information.
Now you are up and running, enjoy the experience and the renewed vitality it will bring.

Any questions you may have regarding your upcoming detox ask us today.

Most of us don’t eat enough greens, and a raw green smoothie is a guaranteed way to get huge amounts of read more]]> Many of you know I’ve been an advocate for the Green Smoothie for years now, so I thought it was about time I put it in writing & make it the recipe of the month!

Most of us don’t eat enough greens, and a raw green smoothie is a guaranteed way to get huge amounts of greens in your diet the easy way.

Green Smoothies are so easy to make, so quick, and taste delicious! They:

• Are rich in enzymes and anti-oxidants – Lifeforce!
• Are a wonderful source of minerals,vitamins and fiber. The incredible density of nutrients in a green smoothie will feed every cell in your body-mind!
• Are rich in bio-available protein. The most bio-available form of amino acids is leafy greens. There are 5 gm of useable protein in 1 cup of greens.
• Help to boost your immune system
• Contain high levels of chlorophyll which cleanse your blood and organs.
• Are a whole/complete food and easily digested. Greens are the best food to clean and heal your colon.
• Give you a real energy boost and encourage healthy aging & radiant skin.
• Contain high fiber meaning the fruit sugars are absorbed more slowly creating a slow release of energy over a longer period of time. You don’t get that blood sugar rush you get from juicing.

When your cells get what they need that desire for junk falls away bit by bit. I used to LOVE chocolate, these days I can’t stand the heavy sugar. Today my body-mind thrives on fresh fruit sugars & cacao!

The core atom in chlorophyll (plant blood) is magnesium (in human blood it’s iron). Cravings are often a sign of magnesium deficiency. Green smoothies are the best way to end cravings for cakes, bikkies, ice-cream, chocolate, alcohol……When your body gets the nutrients it needs, cravings go.

Green Smoothies are rich in alkaline minerals like calcium. The high-calcium greens are the fibrous ones such as dandelion, kale and collard. Wherever there’s a hard shell – as in teeth, bone, or tough-to-chew greens – you will find calcium.

Did you know that the richest source of protein for humans is green leaves? They contain all the essential amino acids. Leaf protein is easy to digest, easily assimilated into the tissues, and has none of the harmful side effects of flesh protein.

Check out this great video on the ‘Protein Myth’

It is only when we are eating foods not designed for human consumption that we end up with imbalances that lead to the need to supplement.

Green Smoothies are also an excellent source of Omega-3 fatty acids. Blend greens into a Smoothie, rather than kill the fish in the sea.

Basic recipe:

2-3 cups of greens – kale, spinach, all types of lettuces, chard, sprouts, rocket (balance the bitterness with a bit more fruit)

2 cups fruit – banana, papaya, dates (make a wonderful sweetener), pears (my favourite), berries, avocado, mangos, apple

Your choice of freshly squeezed orange juice, water, young coconut water (the best!), nut milk…

Optionals - 1 tablespoon raw organic cacao, flaxseeds, mint, raw almonds, green barley grass powder

Tips:

– Start with mixing smoothies that contain more fruits than vegetables (about      60%        fruits vs. 40% leafy vegetables) until your body gets used to the taste of the greens

-          Because Green Smoothies are blended, it’s easy to swallow them too quickly. This can result in loose stools. If you experience a colon reaction, EAT SLOWER. Chew your Smoothie. If needed, refrigerate it and eat over an hour or two, instead of all at once. Get those GREENS into you!

-          Be sure to blend different greens, rotate the different types of greens in your smoothie. Greens have which can be slightly toxic if you eat the same green day-after-day

A Green Smoothie a day keeps the doctor away!

The term Candida (also known as systemic candidiasis or Candida overgrowth) refers to an excess amount of fungus or yeast in the body – more than the normal small amount in the intestines, and also the presence of this fungus in organs where it should not be at all. Infection is caused by read more]]> What is Candida?

The term Candida (also known as systemic candidiasis or Candida overgrowth) refers to an excess amount of fungus or yeast in the body – more than the normal small amount in the intestines, and also the presence of this fungus in organs where it should not be at all. Infection is caused by an overgrowth of several species of Candida, the most common being Candida Albicans.

Candida is poorly understood by most doctors as well as by the public. It is estimated that it actually affects the majority of the population in industrialized countries. Most people have minor symptoms, but many arrive at the stage of disabling symptoms. Some important features of Candida are:

1. It starts with things (such as antibiotics) that kill normal bacteria in the body and allow fungus to expand beyond its normal environment.
2. It grows very slowly, but surely.
3. It may take 20-30 years for the obvious symptoms to show up.
4. In children with early exposure to Candida, or certain Candida-producing things, it can show up much more quickly.
5. Symptoms appear gradually and seem unrelated one to another.
6. Because yeast is very resistant, most treatments and diets are not able to get it under control.

Causes of Candida

Here are the exposures which have been found in clinical experience cause Candida overgrowth in the body. The earlier in life one is exposed to these things and the more frequently, the worse the Candida will tend to be.

1. Antibiotics – Used to kill disease-causing bacteria, antibiotics also kill normal, protective bacterial flora throughout the body. Most antibiotics are derived from fungal chemicals, chemicals the fungi make to protect themselves from bacteria. This is why antibiotics work so well. However, their function in nature is to allow fungi to grow, and this is the unavoidable secondary effect of antibiotic use that fungi will grow.
2. Swimming in chlorinated pools - Chlorine is a chemical in the halogen class that is used in swimming pools, hot tubs, and Jacuzzis to kill bacteria and algae. Just as chlorine kills bacteria in the water, it also kills the body’s normal bacterial flora. However, it appears chlorine is not strong enough to kill yeast at pool water concentrations, so yeast growth in and on the body is encouraged when the competing bacteria are cleared out of the way. While chloride is a very abundant and necessary ion in the body, chlorine exposure is not at all natural for us.
3. Alcohol use (most often beer, wine and vodka) - Alcohol is a fermented product, and therefore it encourages the growth of yeast in the body. A person with some yeast excess often is drawn to alcohol, and then finds that he or she rather quickly develops a steady habit or craving for it. The regular use of alcohol cultivates a fungal liver and changes brain neurotransmission, both of which can lead to addiction to alcohol the fungal liver calling for alcohol for nourishment, and the brain calling for alcohol to artificially stimulate damaged neurotransmitter receptors.
4. Regular use of Candida-promoting foods - In the same way as alcohol fosters Candida growth, fermented, aged and sugary foods can first be craved, and then become the regular food source for a growing and deepening Candida infection. Typical culprits are bread, chocolate, sugar, alcohol, cheese, milk, vinegar, pickles, nuts and peanuts, apples, grapes, bananas and coffee. Antibiotics and hormones used in the production of meat and dairy also contribute.
5. Alcoholism in either parent - Alcoholic parents of young children will have abnormally fungal flora on their bodies to share through contact with their children. They will also probably have more sugar, etc. in their families diets than other people. Either or both of these may explain why we observe more Candida problems in children of alcoholic parents.
6. Birth control hormones – During the years of menstruation and fertility, a woman’s body produces a carefully orchestrated pattern of ups and downs of the female sex hormones -estrogen and progesterone. This balanced cyclic pattern happens monthly, and produces fertility and menstruation. Birth control hormones alter this pattern completely by providing a steady level of hormone, which prevents eggs from being released by the ovaries. Fungal growth appears to be favored by this unnaturally even level of hormone, whereas the naturally oscillating pattern would not sustain fungal growth.
7. Mother was always ill/suppressed immunity – Chronic immune suppression appears to have fungal overgrowth either as a cause or consequence of the illness. Due to the intimate physical contact with mother from birth through early childhood, it appears that mother passes  some of this excess fungus to the child.
8. Mercury and mercury fillings (silver amalgam fillings). Mercury has antibacterial, fungal-promoting effects. Dental silver fillings are about 50% mercury by weight. Both mercury particles (from the grinding action of chewing) and mercury vapor are consistently produced from fillings, and this mercury enters the digestive system and other tissues of the body. Mercury appears to continue its antibacterial effect in these areas, effectively promoting the growth of yeast. As used in vaccines, mercury works as an antibacterial preservative. Mercury from vaccinations also appears to contribute to this problem.
9. Use of corticosteroids. Corticosteroids are drugs such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, and many other forms with names usually ending in -lone, -sone, -cort or -ase. They are used to stop the inflammation of asthma, allergies, skin rashes, painful joints, psoriasis, autoimmune diseases and many other conditions. It is well-known, however, that because they turn off normal immune reactions they leave a person without their natural defenses against fungi and other microbes. Fungal infections are a common side effect of their use.
10. Exposure to pesticides. Exposure to significant levels of pesticides and other agents sprayed in farm fields has brought on Candida symptoms for many people. These agents appear to have an antibiotic-type effect on normal flora, as their purpose is to inhibit growth of certain organisms. People who live near or work in farm fields, people whose homes are built on soil that was farmed with heavy chemical use, and people who had exposure to pesticides in their youth in the era before the dangers of pesticides were publicized all may trace Candida symptoms to this exposure.

While people with Candida symptoms usually can identify one or more of the above exposures in their past, some cannot clearly identify which things brought on the Candida overgrowth symptoms.

Symptoms of Candida

Symptoms of Candida excess include the following. A person may only have two or three of these symptoms, or may have many.

• Cravings for sugar, chocolate, milk, cheese, vinegar, pickles, alcohol, bread, nuts or fruit
• Headaches and migraine headaches
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Asthma and allergies
• Irritability and confusion
• Sleep problems and difficulty falling asleep, or waking up in the middle of the night with a mind that won’t calm down (typically between 1 and 3 am), or simply can’t switch into ‘sleep mode’.
• “Metabolic syndrome” which includes the following: large abdomen (“beer belly”), adult-onset diabetes, high cholesterol or triglycerides, high blood pressure
• Poor memory
• Muscle or joint pain, fibromyalgia
• Cold feet, cold hands, sometimes cold nose
• Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
• Endometriosis (chronic pelvic pain)
• Pupils always dilated
• Unusually green eyes, or eye color has turned greenish
• Infertility (female), some miscarriages, toxemia of pregnancy (preeclampsia)
• Acid reflux/GERD (heartburn)
• Anxiety attacks, panic attacks
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Recurring infections - colds, ears, bladder, sinus, vaginal yeast
• Sexual problems - impotence or lack of desire, or excessive sexuality
• Bloating, flatulence or abdominal pain
• Rectal itching
• Constipation and/or diarrhea
• “Beer belly,” also called truncal obesity and excess weight centered around the abdomen
• Excessively thin or anorexic/bulimic
• Attention deficit, hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD)
• Skin problems - eczema, rashes, psoriasis
• Autoimmune disease (lupus, hypothyroidism, arthritis, others)
• Penicillin allergy
• Prematurely graying hair
• Heart beating too fast or irregularly
• Uncomfortable at any temperature
• Dizziness
• Numbness
• Feeling of floating or not quite being in your body
• Indecisiveness, difficulty organizing, messy
• Sweating, especially at night

Symptoms seen particularly in children up to about 8 years old:

• Early allergy to foods like milk
• Infections as a baby
• Child had or has frequent ear infections, tonsillitis, strep throat or bladder infections, especially if these infections were treated with antibiotics
• Cravings for milk, cheese, yogurt, macaroni and cheese, or peanut butter
• Asthma
• “Drama king” or “drama queen” - complains quite vocally and often
• Poor sleep patterns - difficulty going to sleep, sleeps too lightly or has frequent nightmares, and wakes up too early (or sometimes too late)
• Too thin or overweight
• Attention deficit with or without hyperactivity (ADD/ADHD)
• Aggressive, poor social interactions, can’t stop moving, frequent fights or arguments, frequent crying
• Autism
• Pale complexion, dark circles under the eyes

Candida Treatment

To effectively kill Candida, there must be understanding of the life cycle of yeast, its nutritional requirements, and the true relationship between foods in the diet and yeast growth. The best Candida treatment approach uses the following elements:

1. Antifungal compounds derived from plants. Candida will never go away without the use of medication to kill it. Prescription medications are very limited in how they try to kill yeast and they are not very effective, even when taken at high doses for extended periods. Many natural  supplements yield similar disappointing results. Nature endows plants with the ability to produce antifungal compounds to keep fungus, or rot, from invading them. These compounds work for plants and they work for us, also. The combination of plant-derived antifungals must be properly prepared in order to be effective.
2. Zinc replacement - It is also important to ensure adequate zinc status to support healthy immune function and healing of the gastro-intestinal tract.
3. A scientifically-based antifungal diet – Following a proper diet is necessary to support the action of the antifungals. Many Candida diets fail to identify certain foods that feed Candida, while others are overly restrictive. The diet I recommend has proven itself very accurate in clinical practice. It is important to mention that the antifungal medication rapidly takes cravings away, so that following the diet is made much easier.
4. Live probiotic supplement - Part of treating Candida is replacing the dying yeast with competitive bacteria. The important issues with probiotics are that the bacterial strains chosen are beneficial in the restoration of normal flora and that the bacteria in the supplement are actually alive. Therapeutic probiotics (rather than cheaper brands) actually ‘colonise’ the gut rather than just pass through having a temporary effect. What I have found works best is a course of a ‘prebiotic’ rich in Arabinogalactans before the ‘probiotic’. Prebiotics increase the efficacy of the probiotic treatment by improving the food supply for beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract.
5. Antifungal Homeopathic – There are strains of Candida that are becoming resistant to standard treatment. A homeopathic nosode of 8 different strains of Candida may need to be added to more thoroughly clear the infection. This is particularly indicated if the symptoms are worse for damp weather or yeasty food and drinks, and if the infection is from birth or early childhood.  SCIO can be used to formulate the homeopathic remedy and treat with ‘Zap’ therapy or Energy Medicine
6. Alkalinise! -Fungal infections will only grow legs if the body is over-acidic.

Clinical experience with this treatment approach over several years has shown patients report significant, noticeable improvement in their symptoms. Mood and energy, sleep, digestion, memory, blood sugar and cholesterol levels and various other measures improve. Infection levels can be monitored with SCIO until it is completely cleared. Using a simple maintenance program, patients are able to avoid recurrences and keep their good health!

Feel free to contact me for more details on treatment.

Beyond that, here’s some things that are good to be aware of…

The recipe below will make a big batch, so you can reduce quantities to make a smaller amount.  It’s great for those whose morning schedules read more]]> These are my own favourite winter breakfasts – recipes I have developed over time & I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

‘Evolved Porridge’ (Not just your average porridge!)

The recipe below will make a big batch, so you can reduce quantities to make a smaller amount.  It’s great for those whose morning schedules are hectic, as you can just heat up a batch each day to nourish and fuel you for the day.

Ingredients:

1 cup quinoa (rinse with warm water)

2 cups oats

1 cup mixed nuts and seeds (hazelnuts, pecans, walnuts, cashews, sunflower, sesame seeds & chia seeds are all great)

1 cup raisins or other dried fruit (sulphur-free – dates, figs, goji berries are good!)

1 tin organic coconut cream (Check the ingredients list on the coconut milk tin. Many coconut milks, including some of the organic ones have a lot of additives. Try to find one that is just coconut and water)

Shredded coconut

Cardamon, cinnamon & nutmeg

2 tbsp tahini

1 litre rice milk (alternatively, you can use soy or almond milk,  I enjoy the lightness of rice milk)

4 finely sliced bananas

2 cups organic corn flakes (sweetened with apple or pear juice rather than sugared)

Directions:

It is best to cook the porridge the night before you plan to eat it. This allows the dried fruit to soak up enough water to make it more digestible.  You can omit or change the quantities of any ingredients, however I feel the coconut cream, tahini and cornflakes to be the key secret ingredients for deliciousness, and the quinoa for nutritional value.

• Pour the grains into a saucepan with a well sealing lid.
• Add the ground cardamom, cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Add the raisins and dried fruit.
• Add 7 cups of boiling water (2 for each cup of grain + 1 for dried fruit)
• Add the tin of coconut cream.
• Bring to a boil stirring a couple of times and then turn down to simmer with a tightly sealing lid for 12 minutes.
• Turn off the heat and leave to sit for the night (or 20 minutes minimum)
• Heat the rice milk in a separate pot and add to the porridge mixture while stirring.  Be sure to stir right to the bottom of the pan to avoid sticking and burning.
• Stir in the banana, nuts and seeds, tahini, cornflakes and shredded coconut.
• Taste to test that it is warm enough to eat.
• Enjoy!

Stewed Fruit & Quinoa

Ingredients:

(Serves 2)

2 organic apples sliced

1 pear sliced

4 organic dates chopped

¼ cup sultanas

2 cups water

Dash pink salt

Directions

• Add dates & sultanas to salted water, then bring to the boil
• Add apples, simmer for 5 minutes
• Add pear & simmer for another 5 minutes

Serve over a bed of fresh quinoa (you can reheat yesterdays quinoa by pouring boiled water over it in a sieve), can add a dash of sheepsmilk or soy yoghurt or quark & sprinkle with chia seeds.

I love to sprinkle with cinnamon & nutmeg

Delicious!