Food and how it affects your brain

The food you eat can affect how you think and how your brain functions. That is just one more reason why it’s important to eat healthy food.

Foods that a good for your brain

Avocados are full of antioxidants that suppress free radicals. Antioxidants can help to prevent neuron death, and may help prevent neurodegenerative disease. Avocados also contain monounsaturated fatty acids and folate; both of these can help prevent Alzheimer’s Disease. Blueberries are another great food for the brain. There has been research that found that eating 2 servings of blueberries a week may delay cognitive decline by up to 2½ years.

Coffee despite the negative effects that too much coffee has on the body, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that protect the brain from damage. However, this doesn’t mean you should be drinking an excessive amount of it. Another great food is dark chocolate. This is because cacao is a rich source of flavonoids that promote neuron and blood vessel growth in your brain, stimulate brain blood flow, and may help improve recall and cognitive processing. Likewise, this is not an excuse to binge out on dark chocolate. Green tea contains EGCG, a flavonoid that can bind to and prevent the formation of beta-amyloid proteins, this is also good for preventing Alzheimer’s. Other good teas are White, Oolong, Black tea, and peppermint.

There are also some herbs and spices that can help with brain function. Turmeric is excellent for reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to your brain. Apigenin which is in parsley, thyme, oregano, and basil, can also protect your brain from inflammation, oxidation, and plaque formation.

Leafy Greens are beneficial for brain health as they could slow cognitive aging by up to 11 years. Also, legumes. These are high in protein and fibre and may stop or significantly slow Alzheimer’s progression by preventing the formation of amyloid-β plaque. Nuts & seeds are anti-inflammatory and rich in sterols, stanols, fibre, minerals, and vitamin E, which protect your brain cells from oxidative damage and boost cognitive function. Whole Grains are high in fibre and vitamin E which are associated with lower risk of cognitive decline.

Foods that are no good for your brain health

At the top of this list is processed foods. These are high in saturated and trans fats, added sugar and refined carbs, all of which are associated with poorer cognitive outcomes. Also, processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, beef jerky, and lunch meats that have been smoked or preserved with nitrites form compounds called nitrosamines, which promote neurodegeneration. Another food that isn’t good is red meat. This is because it is a concentrated source of heme iron. An excess of this increases oxidative stress that’s toxic to the brain and raises risk for Alzheimer’s. Butter & vegan butter substitutes are concentrated sources of saturated fat, regular consumption of which is associated with cognitive decline. Aspartame is also a stressor in your body, it raises cortisol levels and causes excess production of free radicals and artificially-sweetened drinks are associated with a higher risk for stroke and dementia.

Fried food is another one to steer clear of as it is associated with bad memory and cognitive function. Cheese, which can be a leading source of saturated and trans fats have also been linked to increased oxidative stress and poorer cognitive outcomes. Excessive alcohol, more than 8 drinks per week, is also on the cognitive decline list.

Find out what you are sensitive to

If you want to find out which foods are best for you then come to the clinic and have a sensitivity test. It’s a simple saliva or hair test and we can tell you exactly which foods are causing havoc in your body. We can also tell you what vitamins and minerals you are deficient in, what sprays, perfumes and pollutants are annoying your sinuses and skin and if you are being exposed to mould or are dust sensitive. Give us a call or email today to book for your test and get on to a healthier you.

Natural remedies for colds and flu

This winter is not just about Covid 19. Remember we are also susceptible to colds and flu. There are many recipes for helping with symptoms. Our energy levels and alignment also affects the types of illnesses we attract. Every part of your body aligns with you psychologically, emotionally, spiritually and energetically.

There are many cold and flu remedies but here are a few I have found tried and true after the years.

Cold and flu remedies

Remedy 1

Add the juice of a whole lemon & warm water with one teaspoon a day of this remedy. It can be taken in the morning and is great for a sore throat. It is also disinfectant so it will kill off microbes.

Ingredients

Add some fresh Ginger to fresh Turmeric

Mix in some fresh Garlic, Lemon, thyme, black peppercorns with some natural honey.

Method

Finely grate the Ginger, Turmeric, Garlic & the lemon rind in a bowl.

Gently remove all the sprigs of leaves off the thyme and add them in the bowl.

In a mortar & pestle crush the Black Peppercorns or use pre cracked pepper if it’s easier. Add the Pepper to the bowl.

Next add honey and stir.

Store it in a cool, dark place.

Remedy 2

Take a Spanish onion and cut in half

Grate the onion or cut into small pieces

Add a teaspoon or two of natural honey

Mix these together well

Eat this mixture for a sore throat

It has a tang to it but your sore throat should soon disappear unless it is caused by an underlying infection which will need attention.

Remedy 3

This is an old energetic remedy to increase your energy levels and wellbeing.

Place a glass of water in the sun. Can be through a sunlit window.

The water must be pure filtered water

If you have a sore throat it needs to be in a blue coloured glass or wrap some see through blue cellophane paper around the glass so the sun can go through the blue colour and affect the water.

If you have a temperature you also need a blue coloured glass.

Blue energy is the colour of the throat chakra and blue brings down fevers.

Drink Pranic energised water all day either in blue or ordinary sunlight filtered glasses to detox your energy.

Supplements for cold and flu

Echinacea, olive leaf, sage tea, fenugreek tea, Vitamin C, Vitamin B. Remember to take a multi-vitamin daily and in these times of Covid 19 a good dose of Olive leaf daily as well and some Vitamin C. Nothing compensates for good immunity.

If you need help with colds and flu remedies or aches and pains we also specialise in Bach remedies, Shell essences and aromatherapy oils. We do online sessions so you can give us a call to book a time.

Acid Reflux and natural options to heal

Acid reflux is also known as heartburn, indigestion and pyrosis and it happens when food and stomach acid go back up into the oesophagus. Acid reflux can be very painful, cause burping, vomiting, choking and is dangerous long term as not only can you have a burnt oesophagus but it is believed in some more severe cases there can be chest pains that can feel like you’re having a heart attack. The acid can irritate the oesophagus and also cause scarring, swelling, ulceration and hemorrhaging. Some experts believe frequent acid reflux could lead to oesophageal cancer.

If you are a sufferer you may need to look at your diet and see if there is something that is causing it such as eating too late at night, too heavy meals, over eating, sweet foods like chocolate, coffee etc. Remedies involve foods with live enzymes, alkaline foods and remedies, slippery elm powder (not the tablets, the powder). All these remedies involve a balance of the hydrochloric acid levels in the stomach. By changing regular table salt to Himalayan crystal salt with many trace minerals that are good for you may get some improvement. Also Betaine HCL supplements before meals can help to balance the hydrochloric acid levels, some digestive enzymes and making sure you eat a lot slower.

Changing your diet can be helpful. If you are eating a lot of processed foods or sugars it will imbalance the bacteria in the stomach. Replace wheat and yeast with wheat free/yeast free products, go lactose free or cut out dairy completely and replace packaged foods with fresh fruit and vegetables. Probiotics and prebiotics will help balance stomach bacteria.

Calm your stomach with one tablespoon raw organic apple cider vinegar in water if you are not sensitive to this food as it will help to promotes digestion. Do a sensitivity test to check what foods you are sensitive to and which cause inflammation. Also organic Aloe Vera is good for calming the stomach and supports digestion.

Our clinic assists with changes in diet, healthy eating plans, sensitivity testing and balancing your inflammation levels.