Foods and Asthma

Of late, Mr Brad, my partner has been suffering an usual amounts of mild "asthma attacks".

Since we have been together, Brad's asthma has reduced significantly in terms of frequency and his dependence upon his "puffer". This can be attributed to a few things including giving up smoking, adopting an incredibly healthy eating pattern with LOTS of fresh fruit and vegies and minimal packaged/convenience and takeaway foods AND a transition to a slightly more active lifestyle :)

I would also add, much less stress through a dramatically improved mindset and way of looking at things :)

The recent incidents therefore have been very noticeable, whereas in the past they may have been part of the usual day to day happenings....

Since the onset of these incidents were so sudden and noticeable, I went searching further of what could be triggering these attacks. I am NO expert in this area- despite my background it is NOT something I specialise in!

So please, the information shared here is simply based upon our experience and I felt it great to share for anyone out there who MAY find that they have similar triggers and would benefit from trying similar strategies :)

Please ALWAYS consult your GP and team of health care practitioners before taking on ANY health advice :)

Ok...with that said...

Here is what I found for Mr Brad, and what may also help some of you :)

There are certain additives in foods which can TRIGGER asthma. These include

• Sulphites
• Food colourings
• MSGs
• Salicylates

Sulphites are used as a preservative in many foods including some wines, fruit juices, canned fish and dried fruit. For Brad the trigger was FRESH PRAWNS....apparently metabisulphite is used as a preservative in prawns

Another food Brad has responded to is Maggi 2 minute Noodles. These contain SULPHITES

The other ingredient I think is playing a role here for Brad is MSG and this is found in high concentrations in stock cubes, gravy, soy sauce and packet soups.

Salicylates are naturally occurring element in many foods including coffee, beer, honey, soy sauce, tomato pastes and sauces.

There is more information here at http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Asthma_and_food

In Brads case, a couple of things have possibly lead to his increased sensitivity of late:

1. He has been ill with a tummy bug which has included a body fever- aches and pains, etc. So, his IMMUNE SYSTEM is low and challenged at present which would definitely play a role
2. Of late, his consumption of all above mentioned foods has been higher- due to feeling ill and having "holidays"- more junk food! :)
3. His base diet includes a few condiments that would include these food ingredients, therefore his THRESHOLD of tolerance has possibly been super seeded.
   

So the remedy for Brad?

Get back to BASICS!

Good, healthy FRESH foods, free of additives, preservatives and colours!

The fact that FRESH, HEALTHY prawns were a major player and trigger here, it certainly pays to KNOW YOUR FOOD :)

Know where it is coming from and the PROCESSES it undertakes...

Also, realise that there is always a THRESHOLD of tolerance so strict ELIMINATION of all foods is not necessarily required....

This is a VERY UNIQUE and SPECIFIC issue which, if you are having ongoing issues, should certainly be managed with a suitably qualified practitioner guiding you through..

On a final note, please do not forget the importance and impact of mental STRESS on your body's ability to deal with certain environmental "physical" stresses (i.e. food chemicals)

Mental stress certainly wears down and depletes the immune system.

So to look after yourself and give your body the support if needs to support you, remember the basics!

• Water- LOTS of fresh, clean water!
• Vegies and fruit- LOADS of colour and variety all day, everyday! Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and snacks :)
• Move your body! Get out in the FRESH air! Breathe in oxygen, deliver it to your cells with an increased heart rate, and clear away toxins! :)
• Manage stress- even if you are not CONSCIOUSLY aware of stress- many of us have endless things going on "in the back of our minds". So employ DAILY "stress clearer's" including exercise (in the great outdoors; nature is a great healer!); meditation (ANYONE can do it..takes patience, practice and time); mindset review- check in with how you react/respond to everything around you...changing the way you see things (your perspective) by getting into some "Self-development" things such as books, audio's, programs and even coaches- it will DRAMATICALLY change your life :)

If you have anything to add, or any comments, would LOVE to hear from you!

Please post below, or email me at bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

PS. at the above website, there are a list of NUMBERS to look out for on labels! Take a look here
Very helpful! :)

Lots of love to you all!

BridgetJane

Food Body Lifestyle Guru

www.newleafnutrition.com.au

Diets may determine dementia risk

[From BBC News]

The foods we choose to eat may determine our risk of dementia, mounting evidence suggests.

Latest work in Archives of Neurology shows sticking to a diet rich in nuts, fish and vegetables significantly cuts the chance of developing Alzheimer's.

A "Mediterranean diet" containing plenty of fresh produce and less high-fat dairy and red meat has long been thought to improve general health.

Experts believe it is a combination of nutrients in foods that is important.

Read the full article here

The balance of foods eaten appears to be important

CHOCCAS CHICKPEAS

Ok, so by now you will probably know that I go through phases where I simply cannot get enough of a certain food! At the moment there are a few, but one that really stands out is CHICKPEAS.

I am love, love, loving these super food beauties and not just because they have a lush nutty taste and creamy texture, but also because they are simply LOADED (choccas ;p) with nutrients that nourish, renew and revitalise your body!

Chickpeas are a legume meaning they are a GREAT source of protein, slowly digested carbohydrates and fibre :)

Here are just a few features of these little round gems, that are compelling enough to give them a go, I'm sure you'll agree :)

-they are a fibre-full all star! Yes if you take time to check out which foods are great sources of fibre, chickpeas top the chart! They are high in both types of soluble and insoluble fibre meaning they not only form a gel like substance in the digestive tract which ferries undesirable fats and cholesterol out of the body (soluble fibres part), they also add to stool bulk to prevent constipation and digestive disorders such as diverticulosis and irritable bowel syndrome (insoluble fibres part). Yeah!

-their high fibre content makes them great for helping to lower cholesterol levels and makes them perfect for those with diabetes, PCOS, insulin resistance or any other situation in which blood sugar control is undesirable or non-ideal.

-they are a great protein source and make a great meat replacement when consumed alongside a wholegrain such as brown rice or pasta. Having less red meat meals is a strong recommendation from all camps including the Heart and Cancer foundations worldwide. Research has shown that higher red meat intakes are correlated with high levels of heart incidents and cancers of all types, but particularly bowel cancer. So, get in preventative mode early and learn to love chickpeas in curries (mmmm- O had this tonight!), in pasta or rice salads, as a spread on wholegrain rolls (hummus) or as an ingredient in felafel's- just to name a few ideas! :)YUM!

-they are also a great source of a number of important minerals including:

• the trace mineral, Molybdenum, an integral component of the enzyme sulfite oxidase, which is responsible for detoxifying sulfites. What does this mean? Sulfites are a type of preservative commonly added to prepared foods such as pre-prepared delicatessen salads. Those sensitive to sulfites in these foods may experience rapid heartbeat, headache or disorientation if sulfites are unwittingly consumed. If you have ever reacted to sulfites, it may be because your molybdenum stores are insufficient to detoxify them. Interesting!
  

• Magnesium- another reason why chickpeas are good for your HEART! Magnesium lessens the resistance in arteries and veins improving the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrients throughout the body- nice!

• Folate- this mineral is important for a healthy heart as it helps to reduce harmful levels of homocysteine. Elevated blood levels of homocysteine are an independent risk factor for heart attack, stroke, or peripheral vascular disease, and are found in between 20-40% of patients with heart disease.

• Manganese- chickpeas are an excellent source of the trace mineral manganese, which is an essential co-factor in a number of enzymes important in energy production and antioxidant defenses.

• Iron- In addition to providing slow burning complex carbohydrates, chickpeas can increase your energy by helping to replenish your iron stores. Iron is an integral component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen from the lungs to all body cells, and is also part of key enzyme systems for energy production and metabolism. Menstruating women and those who are pregnant or lactating have higher needs for iron and so chickpeas are a super healthy-and EASY- way to top up supplies :) Just serve with a source of Vitamin C for most effective absorption- lemon juice or capsicum will do the trick! :)

So there you go!

I hope I have you salivating at the idea of learning how to CREATIVELY add these super duper fibre, protein and mineral rich treasures to your weekly menu :)

Your body, energy and health will thank you!

To your health and happiness!

Bridget Jane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
www.newleafnutrition.com.au

Be L.E.A.N in 2010- a New Mantra :)

Hi guys!

I received a lovely email yesterday which inspired this post. First, the email:

"Guess what I'm having for lunch?

I asked myself what would nourish me and give me energy?

Answer- chickpeas, sirena tuna with chilli, walnuts, rocket, cherry tomatoes and a little hommus mixed through it. OMG it is so yummy and I feel great.

Loving your L.E.A.N philosophy. It's just the thing to get me out of my current fat crisis and the hole I have been stuck in without doing my head in in the process.

love your work xx" - G.A

We will keep the lovely sender annonymous, but just LOVED her outlook and was very pleased that one simple article had such an impact! :)

I thought, if this article has this impact on one person, let's share this wider! So....

Here is the original article/philosophy our annonymous corresponder is referring to :)

I sincerely hope you enjoy it and that it inspires a new way of thinking in you! :)

Be L.E.A.N in 2010- a New Mantra :)

This may sound like another fad, Nazi-style, lecture from a health nut who has little tolerance for anything other than pure and ultimate dedication and worship to a clean lifestyle, but that’s where you’d be wrong.

See I have been a Dietitian and seeing clients now for over 8 years, and I can tell you that I for one am totally fed-up with all the fad and fickle diets, programs, empty promises, miracle cures, quick fix approaches and hero’s out there who want to tell you number 1, it’s your fault and your doing something wrong, and number 2 that THEY have the answer and secret you seek!

Having once being an overweight, unfit, lethargic and unmotivated “chubber” myself, I know too well the reality of the transition that needs to occur from the state of stagnant, stuck, idle and “can’t be bothered” to fit, fantastic, full of energy and “like WOW! I feel good!”

It’s not all roses. It’s not all easy. An answer or solution doesn’t just fall in your lap.

That does NOT mean, however, that it can’t be FUN, ADVENTUROUS, EXCITING and completely SATISFYING! If your like most humans, you thrive on a challenge. It’s only when you are thrown in the deep end you discover that in fact you Do know how to swim! Or at the least, stay afloat.

Staying in the shallow end may feel safe; it may feel nice and you can kid yourself that your not missing out on anything by not being in the end where all the action, spunks and fun is happening, but the reality is, being in the shallow end IS for babies! It IS for whimps and it IS for those who aren’t ready to GROW UP.

Now if I am sounding like the Nazi I promised I wasn‘t, I do apologise. If you met me in person, you would know I am completely compassionate, completely caring and completely ON YOUR SIDE.

It’s just that every now and then we all need a wake-up call, and I’m not doing you any favours by supporting your choice to kid yourself and dishonouring your desire to look, feel and BE better.

Currently I am working with one incredibly inspiring lady. All my clients are inspiring, but this woman is incredible. She came to me at 150kg and declared she wanted my assistance to publicly shed 50kg in 50 weeks. Now I admit, I smelt somewhat of a Fad Rat in the beginning and I kept my incredibly sceptical sun shades on so that I could get a scope of the whole scene.

What I can tell you now is that this woman MEANS business! And if anything, she is the one who taught me that KIDIDNG YOURSELF is self-sabotage. It doesn’t help you and it doesn’t get you results. It simply keeps you trapped in a cycle, feeling bad about yourself and year, after year, making the SAME New Year’s Resolutions!

So since commencing work with this amazing lady, I have promised myself to remember to always be HONEST about where someone is at in relation to their goals and if that current state is moving them towards where they want to go, or away.

Now that that is out of the way and off my chest, lets get to the crux of this column. What I would LOVE you to take away from this piece is a new PERSPECTIVE. A new way of looking at the whole “lose weight, get fit, be healthy” spectrum that completely and utterly SERVES you. A new approach that does EVERYTHING to support you in your desires to have more energy, be healthier, look better and feel good!

That perspective is framed with the L.E.A.N acronym . Take on this perspective, make it your 2010 mantra and be amazed at the results by the year’s end. You will need to keep this close and in mind ALL the time. Do not be strayed, seduced or distracted by those other “garden-path” approaches. Stay true and loyal to this perspective and I promise you, you will be delighted with yourself.


L- LOVING and LIGHT- “Argh!” You may disappointingly sigh. Another “fluffy, fairy approach”, another “new-ager” or simply “what the?!” But take a little time to digest the mean of this simple perspective.

Take time to be aware of how loving, forgiving, non-judgemental, compassionate and kind you are in every moment towards yourself, others and the world in general. If your mental chatter is primarily negative, cynical, critical, un-trusting and just plain “stick in the mud”, then I would seriously consider what impact this is having on your external world.

What we focus on we create more of. There is SO much for me to share on this, but you are highly intelligent, so all I ask is for you to TEST this idea. First NOTICE what you focus on most of the time; what your primary thoughts are. Then look at what’s showing up for you and if you are in fact getting more of the very content that lives in your mind.

Simply, if you are constantly thinking things like, “I’m tired, lazy, slack, unmotivated, and hopeless”, then its little surprise you would feel that way. Try focusing on things that you like about yourself, things you are grateful for and really live in that space and see how your external world changes. Try, “I love that I have functioning and capable limbs, I love that I have the CHOICE to exercise or not, I LOVE that I have access to fresh, wholesome, delicious food”

See how much lighter you feel when you change your thoughts. Feeling HEAVY and TIRED comes from directing our energy and focus into numerous and endless energy DRAINS. They are everywhere. Stop your leaks and direct your energy to places that RENEW your vibrancy.


E- ENERGETIC- “Eat to Energise” is the key here. Constantly observe your food choices and how they make you feel afterwards. Do you feel light, happy, energised or sluggish, guilty and “cloudy”? I guarantee you that if you start to pay the slightest attention to how you feel after you eat (especially 1-2 hours afterwards), then you will automatically start to consider options that may make you feel different.

Foods that give us ENDLESS ENERGY include water, vegies, fruit, herbs and spices. Just like the add for CENTRUM will tell you that the little vitamin pill “unlocks the energy within”, these babies will properly and thoroughly unlock the energy contained within your body. They contain all the vitamins, minerals and whole array of synergistically acting compounds that magically make you feel ALIVE!

I challenge you to first consider how many of these types of foods make up your day, and secondly to DOUBLE that. Notice what impact it has and how different you feel after eating a meal that is 50-75% this composition, vs. highly processed, refined and instant. Choose more foods that are FRESH and minimally PROCESSED.


A- ACTIVE- be active in LIFE, in LOVE and in LEARNING. When you are taking an ACTIVE role in looking after your PHYSICAL, MENTAL, EMOTIONAL and SPIRITUAL needs you will feel instantly more energised.

Being PHYSICALLY ACTIVE is something that we as humans NEED. It is a BASIC need in fact and something that we definitely suffer from NOT having in our life. Furthermore, being PHYSICALLY active has profound effects on our mental, emotional and spiritual domains. We feel less stressed, happier, more motivated and energised when we simply “suck it up” and get on with at least starting some type of physical movement.

I will tell you that this is one area this incredibly inspirational lady EXCELS at. Even at 150kg with NUMEROUS challenges, this woman enrolled the help she needed and dedicated herself to DAILY physical activity NO MATTER what was going on, how busy she was, or how sore she felt. Her mantra really was, “suck it up” and “no excuses”. It was really tough for her for the first few weeks, then after that, each session made her feel more positive, more healthy and more motivated. Stick it out, make the commitment and see the difference.


N- NOURISHED- Nurture and Nourish your body, mind and soul. Constantly reflect on how your THOUGHTS, ACTIONS and CHOICES are either nourishing, depleting or doing nothing for you and the goals/end results you are striving for. Is this meal nourishing me? Is this thought nourishing me? This situation? This person? This WAY OF BEING?

Big questions, with MASSIVE pay-off’s.

I will leave it at that. I’m sure I’ve waffled on enough.

I simply wanted to set the frame-work. I am NOT a surface dweller who plays in fantasy and fad-land with the fairies. I have done this for long enough to know what works and what doesn’t.

I can tell you that only by being and getting real will we get the results we want. Not just in health, but in life.

And that means diving DEEP.

So, work on being L.E.A.N in 2010, and just marvel at what transpires around you!

To your health, happiness and FUN!

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

www.newleafnutrition.com.au


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Bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

0421 332243

This article was published first in ONYA, see it here

If you drink juice, this is important!

You all know that I am NOT about spreading the BAD health news....its just that this is VERY important information to share and just another reason why we really should be moving more towards natural, whole, unprocessed foods, free of packaging, as much as possible...

Fresh, home-made fruit and vegie juices can be a great healthy option.

I have never been a fan of any type of processed and pre-packaged juices.

See the link here

To you health, happiness and VITALITY! :)

Mwah! xoxo

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

Become a FACEBOOK FAN
Follow me on Twitter

www.newleafnutrition.com.au
http://bridgetjaneguru.blogspot.com
http://bridgetthompson.blogspot.com
http://bridget-jane.blogspot.com

Powerful n Punchy Pineapple!

Ok! So Mango Mania is very sadly coming to an end...well really, the truth is, it's over :(

The delectable, delicious and incredibly delightful fruit is over its peak season and just not where it's at right now.

I have had to come to acceptance of this sad fact of nature, and instead direct my desires and cravings in another direction :)

So....I followed my nose at the local farmers markets to the just as divine, delectable and delicious PINEAPPLE!

Wow! These babies are RIPE, JUICY and oh so yummy! To add to that they are incredibly GOOD for you and should be enjoyed VOLUMINOUSLY! ;p

I still remember the day I watched in ABSOLUTE HORROR as a well-meaning "expert" from The Biggest Looser television series tossed one of these amazing fruits into the garbage claiming it was too high in sugar and off limits for contestants!

That was enough to swear me off that TV show for life! Professing that ANY type of fresh, whole fruit or vegetable is bad for you and should be avoided, is a SURE SIGN of a FAD to me!

In my many years of experience I have NEVER seen anyone suffer ill-health due to eating fresh, whole fruit AND similarly I have seen MANY health-benefits from people making these delights their BEST FRIENDS! :)

In fact, I have had many diabetic clients in the past who upon my enquiry into their fruit consumption told me that they avoided fruits, especially tropical ones, because they were strictly advised to by their specialist!

When I heard this I would quickly overcome my horror then immediately go on to explain the dynamics of fruit digestion in the body, insulin response, and how eating biscuits and cakes because they were avoiding fruit, probably wasn't the most sensible idea....

Anyway, long story short, pineapple IS good for you!

Just SOME of the health benefits of this oh-so-yummy fruit are:

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY- due to pineapple's bromelain content, eating this fruit will infuse into your body powerful little substances that help to heal bruising, swelling, tenderness and pain. If you suffer from any type of arthritis, this is especially good news :)

Also, bromelain is also responsible for pineapple being a great digestive aid! Bromelain helps to break down the amino-acids in proteins, thereby promoting good digestion (funny how my body intuitively feels like some pineapple after an evening meal! Intelligent system me think! ;p)

ANTIOXIDANT and IMMUNE booster- pineapples are loaded with VITAMIN C and this baby is the body's primary water-soluble anti-oxidant responsible for protecting many of it's cells from free-radical attack. When free-radicals are allowed to run riot they promote plaque build up in our arteries, contribute to airway spasms that lead to asthma attacks, turn healthy cells into cancerous ones as well as cause pain and stiffness experienced in joint conditions such as osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C is also ESSENTIAL for the correct functioning of the immune system and so a good one to load up on to prevent colds, flu and recurrent ear-infections.

ENERGY- pineapple is an excellent source of manganese- an essential component of energy-producing pathways in the body. As well as manganese, pineapple is also a good source of the energy producing B vitamin, Thiamine. So, instead of B-B-Berocca...maybe...P-P-Pineapple will do the trick! Cheaper, yummier, easier! ;p

EYES N GUMS- fruit has been shown to be one of the most significant protectants against age related macular degeneration. Additionally, because of its high Vitamin C content, pineapple is excellent for helping to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis, which left untreated leads to the destruction of gum tissue and underlying jaw bones. These conditions are also linked to heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes...eeeek! cut me some pineapple NOW!

Wow...yes a powerful little fruit that really packs a PUNCH!

So....what are you waiting for?!

Get this juicy, delightful and oh-so-good-for-you fruit into you TODAY! :)

Enjoy fellow health-monks! ;p



Mwah!

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer, Speaker, Consultant

www.newleafnutrition.com.au
bridget@newleafnutrition.com.au

Bad cholesterol: It’s not what you think

Review of Article from Men's Health by By Paul Scott

This is a long and windy read BUT if you have high cholesterol OR take lipid lowering medications, otherwise known as STATINS, you SHOULD make time to look over this one!

I have been beating this band-wagon drum for years...taking what doctors, specialists and institutions tell us as "God's word" and not investigating our symptoms and their real causes further ourselves, may not truly serve us.

I myself have been at the helm of well-meaning practitioners who have condemned me with some condition/disease/affliction, only for me to look or ask further and find out that in fact, although a great professional opinion, the same picture could in fact be interpreted in much a different way. A way that meant I was not victim to some horrid state.

It is really important that we always go back to basics with things and see how they sit with our own common-sense and "gut-feeling". Regardless of what any specialist can tell you about you, YOU know YOU best!

Yes, take their advice on board, take their information, but then allow this to sit in your own psyche. Investigate further, get second opinions, and find out the CAUSE of the problem and what OTHER OPTIONS you may have for resolution.

Just as smashing out the light on your car's dashboard that signals there is wrong with the engine WONT fix the problem, taking medications is sometimes akin to simply silencing the signal telling you that something is amiss.

We are the captain's of our own ship. It is important we feel what is happening on deck and below board is all for the greater good of the entire journey.

Never go against your own feelings and always trust yourself to look further, if you so have the inclination.

I do. I encourage my clients to, too. :)

You can see their personal stories of overcoming adversities and medical diagnoses at http://bit.ly/4xJHa9

Enjoy!

See original article at: http://bit.ly/cQcuIJ

Health, happiness, fun and success to you all!

Mwah!

BridgetJane
Food Body Lifestyle Guru
Writer Speaker Consultant
www.newleafnutrition.com.au