The worth of herbal medicine in reducing long-term stress, anxiety and depression is being validated by mounting scientific evidence.Studies have shown that St John’s Wort is equally effective as a number of common antidepressant merdications in treating moderate to severe depression.

In addition to this, naturopaths use herbs classified as adaptogens to work on the hormone produced by stress: cortisol. Science is now demonstrating that high levels of cortisol (from stress) for extended periods of time can lead to anxiety and depression.

Some very interesting research is confirming this, demonstrating that adaptogens are effective at assisting the body adapt to stress, giving a chance for these chronically raised levels to return to a more normal level. Modern medicine has no equivalent pharmaceutical action.

Combining Adaptogenic herbs with Anti-anxiety and Nerve tonic herbs provides a uniquely gently but still effective way to assist anxiety and depression.

An important point to note is that even though there is a potential interaction between St. John's wort and many of the common pharmaceutical antidepressant medications, it does not need to be an either or situation. By using a combination of the above mentioned herbal actions but excluding St. John's wort modern western herbal medicine can be an effective support when you are taking prescribed antidepressant medication

David
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It is common for people with long-term stress, anxiety and depression to have a deficiency of a number of nutrients, especially magnesium.  Many of us know that magnesium works on muscles, but it plays an equally important role on nerve impulses.

Typical signs of magnesium deficiency are a foggy head with clouding of thoughts, decreased memory function and an over reaction to situations.

David
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A question that many athletes ask of Naturopaths is: ‘How much protein should I have in my diet?’.

Each athlete, depending on their particular sporting event, has different requirements regarding optimal body weight, lean tissue mass, energy intake and expenditure. The current debate on what is the appropriate ratio of the three major nutrients in the diet (protein, carbohydrate and fat) is still raging and researchers are divided on how much protein athletes need to optimise and maintain performance.

Athletic training increases the demands for the nine ‘essential’ amino acids. As these can not be synthesised in the body, they must be obtained from the diet. Research over the past decade has indicated that athletes engaged in intense training need to ingest 1.5-2 times the RDA (0.8-1.0g/kg body weight/day). The EU’s Scientific Committee on Food recommends that protein intake should comprise around 10-11% of total energy intake.

The safety and efficacy of high-protein intakes have been questioned and the American Heart Association’s nutrition committee has claimed that: ‘Individuals who follow these [high-protein] diets are at risk for….potential cardiac, renal, bone and liver abnormalities overall’. However, Finnish scientists who conducted a review of available research, did not reach this conclusion. In view of the conflicting data, it is advisable that any athlete who decides to adopt this form of dietary intake be regularly supervised by a qualified Health Professional.

With a raised protein intake there is a concurrent increase in urea production (a by product of protein metabolism). For the kidneys to clear this, greater volumes of water are required and it is recommended, that to decrease the risk of dehydration, athletes consume plenty of extra fluid, especially in warm conditions.

Athletes can safely increase their protein intake but must still be mindful of the role of carbohydrates in supplying energy for fuel and recovery. Therefore, their diet must contain high-quality, low fat sources of protein in conjunction with appropriate levels of complex carbohydrates and fluid to ensure optimum health and performance.

Robyn
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Asthma can be a life-threatening condition; Naturopathic treatment can complement medical treatment and help to reduce the severity of your child’s asthma by reducing allergic reactions, strengthening mucous membranes, reducing sticky mucous and relaxing the airway passages.

Saturated fats, sugar and large amounts of dairy products and processed foods should be avoided as they can contribute to mucous production. While other foods can potentially trigger an attack with some potential suspects including wheat, dairy, eggs, fish, shellfish, nuts, and citrus fruits.  Although salicylates found naturally occurring in grapes, sultanas, berries, oranges, tomatoes and pineapples can also be problematic. Food additives in processed foods should also be minimised

A well balanced diet is essential for the correct functioning of the immune and respiratory systems. The ideal of high quality proteins, fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and plenty of fresh filtered water, can be difficult to achieve, but a Naturopath is well practiced at helping with ways these can be incorporated into the diet.

Vitamin A, C, E, Zinc, Magnesium and Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are nutrients that can help to prevent or at the very least, reduce the severity of asthma attacks; while herbs Adhatoda, Albizia, Baical Skullcap and Ginkgo biloba, can all be safely administered to children, and have specific antiasthma or antiallergic properties.

With so many interacting factors it is important to consult with an experienced and qualified Naturopath who will prescribe an individualised prescription of herbs and supplements with associated dietary changes and excercise specific to your child’s needs.

Robyn
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