New Zealand Herbals Newsletter


	In this months issue we will be discussing one of the most important elements that each one of us can control which directly effects our health. Food is the single most important thing that you can control and the food choices you make each and everyday has a direct effect on your health. Unfortunately there is a lot of disinformation out there. So in this months issue we will be discussing this very important issue. We will also list some of the "super foods" and also stress the importance of consuming enough water. Super Foods Many times here in the clinic we are asked "what foods should I eat?", "what's the perfect diet?" Most of us know what is bad for us but we still find ourselves consuming these foods! Sometimes supposed "experts" have told us that certain things were good for us, yet in the light of later scientific evidence it has been shown that in fact these things were bad for us! Other things, such as salt, we are told is bad for us, when in fact these things are good for us or even necessary for our overall wellbeing and health. It is true that in many cases one mans meat is another mans poison. A greater understanding as to what is good for one person and bad for another comes from understanding what blood type and body type a person is. However, despite of this, there are some foods that are good for everyone. We like to call these foods "Super Foods" and we have compiled a small list below: Nuts Almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and other nuts. Nuts are very high in protein and monounsaturated fat. Just one handful of almonds supplies you with 50% of your daily vitamin E needs and 8% of your calcium needs as well as 18% of your daily magnesium needs - a key component in building muscles and essential to help relax the nerves, feed the heart and help in the assimilation of calcium. Almonds and other nuts build muscle protein and reduce carbohydrate cravings. They contain magnesium, folic acid (particularly in peanuts), and phosphorus. Nuts can help against obesity, heart disease, muscle loss, wrinkles, cancer, and high blood pressure. They should be consumed raw and not smoked or salted. Nuts need to be consumed with lots of water to help their digestion - another good reason to consume lots of water during the day! Beans & Pulses The best beans are black haricot, lima, kidney, chickpea, soy, and canelli beans. Beans are good for your heart, and the more you eat the more you will be able to control your hunger. Beans help to build muscle, burn fat, regulate digestion, plus they contain fiber, protein, iron and folic acid. They can help to protect you from obesity, colon cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure. However, you should avoid frying beans since this makes them high in saturated fats and the good old baked beans are just too high in sugar. Green Vegetables (Particularly Spinach) Vegetables are packed with nutrients, and the rawer you eat them the more nutrients remain in the food. Spinach is particularly good since one serving supplies nearly a full days worth of your vitamin A needs and half of your vitamin C needs. It is also loaded with folic acid - a vitamin that helps to protect you from heart disease, stroke, and colon cancer. Broccoli is another green super food. It is high in fiber and more densely packed with vitamins and minerals than almost any other food. It contains nearly 90% of the vitamin C of fresh orange juice and almost half as much calcium as milk. It is also a powerful defender against diseases such as cancer because it increases the enzymes that help detoxify carcinogens. The florets (tops) have three times more beta-carotene then the stems and they are also a great source of other antioxidants. So when your mother said to you "eat your greens or there is no desert!" she was really on to something! Dairy There is a lot of misinformation about dairy products. Not all dairy products are good for you, and dairy isn't suitable for everyone (particularly if you have type A or O blood group). However, skimmed milk, fat free or low fat yogurt and cheese can in actual fact be good for you provided that they are consumed correctly and in not too great a quantity. For example, milk should only be consumed warm (have you ever seen a calf drink cold milk?). The addition of a little cinnamon or cardamom powder can help to make it more digestible. Dairy products help to build strong bones and can assist with weight loss if they are consumed correctly. Most dairy products contain significant amounts of calcium, vitamins A & B12, riboflavin, phosphorus, and potassium. Dairy can protect you (to some degree) against diseases such as osteoporosis, obesity, high blood pressure, and cancer. Oats Oatmeal boosts energy levels and your sex drive! It can reduce cholesterol, maintain blood sugar levels, and help your body fight against such diseases as heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, and obesity! But wait there is still more - being high in soluble fiber it attracts fluid and stays in your stomach longer than insoluble fiber (like the fiber found in vegetables). Soluble fiber is thought to reduce cholesterol levels by binding with digestive acids made from cholesterol and sending them out of the body, when this happens your liver has to pull cholesterol from your blood to make more digestive acids thereby reducing the amount of bad cholesterol found in your blood. You need at least 18 to 20 grams of fiber per day. But large numbers of individuals (except those of us using Mineral Max which contains both soluble and insoluble fiber) get only half that amount. Fiber kicks out troublemakers like free radicals. It helps to reduce the risk to colon cancer but removing carcinogens out of the intestines quickly. Oatmeal sustains blood sugar levels longer than many other foods, which helps to keep your insulin levels stable and ensures that you won't be ravenous for the few hours that follow. That is a good thing because spikes in the production of insulin slow your metabolism and send a signal to your body that its time to start storing fat. Oatmeal also raises the levels of free testosterone in your body which in turn enhances your body's ability to build muscles and burn fat (plus it helps to boost your sex drive!!!). And yes, woman need testosterone too. Eggs For a long time eggs where considered to be pure evil and doctors recommended that patients stop consuming them due to their high cholesterol levels. However, whole eggs also contain lecithin which emulsifies the cholesterol. This is why you should take advantage of eggs and their powerful makeup of protein. The "biological levels" of protein found in eggs are higher than any other food. In other words, the protein in eggs is more effective in building muscles than protein from other sources, even milk or beef. Eggs also contain vitamin B12 which is necessary for the breakdown of fat. Two eggs per day is fine. Have them lightly poached with a pinch of cayenne or black pepper along with some parsley. Turkey, Lean Steak, Chicken & Fish Protein is the basis of any solid diet plan. It takes more energy for your body to digest the protein in meat than it does to digest carbohydrates or fat. So the more protein you eat, the more calories you burn (just try to avoid the fat!). Turkey breast is one of the leanest meats you'll find and it packs nearly one third of your daily niacin and vitamin B6 requirements. A word of caution though, if you are roasting turkey avoid self-basting birds since they have had fat injected into them. Dark meat, if you prefer, has lots of zinc and iron. Beef is a top source of creatine. Creatine has been shown in countless scientific studies to increase muscle mass, improve athletic performance and accelerate muscle recovery following strenuous exercise. Some research has even shown that creatine may help to reduce bad cholesterol levels in the blood, reduce serum homocysteine levels, and help retard the development of osteoporosis, plus heaps more! It is best to look for topside, rump, or fillet steak. Sirloins are less fatty than prime ribs and T-bones. You may even wish to wash the meat down with skimmed milk - some research indicates that the consumption of calcium reduces your body's ability to absorb saturated fat. Fish like tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids, plus they are a great source of protein. Peanut Butter Peanut butter is packed with heart healthy monounsaturated fats that can increase your body's production of testosterone which in turn helps your muscles grow and your fat to melt. Peanut butter is quick and versatile, plus it tastes great! But do try to limit yourself to no more than three tablespoons per day since peanut butter is high in calories. Olive Oil Olive oil is great for controlling your food cravings and is a wonderful source of antioxidants. It will also help to keep your blood cholesterol levels in check. Extra virgin olive oil is particularly rich in the phenolic antioxidants as well as squalene and oleic acid. The high consumption of this oil in the diet provides considerable protection against colon, breast, and skin cancer. It has also been shown to reduce coronary heart disease and ageing by inhibiting oxidative stress. A constant high consumption rate of olive oil in the diet, especially extra virgin olive oil, provides a constant supply of antioxidants. This may reduce oxidative stress through the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, a factor which is linked to a host of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Olive oil is also high in monounsaturated fat, the desirable fat. It is considered desirable because it reduces the LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing the HDL (good) cholesterol. Olive oil has the highest level of monounsaturated fats of any edible oil. Wholegrain Breads & Cereals Wholegrain bread helps to keep insulin levels low, which keeps you from storing fat. The right kind of carbs are in actual fact good for you! Wholegrain breads prevent your body from storing fat and contain fiber, protein, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, potassium, iron, and calcium. Whole grain breads can protect (to some degree) against obesity, cancer, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Bread made exclusively from wheat, whether refined or wholegrain, seems to be the least beneficial and for individuals with celiac disease, and those who are blood group O wheat breads are best avoided. Berries Depending upon your taste, any berry will do! All berries carry powerful antioxidants and all purpose compounds that help your body fight heart disease and cancer. The berries flavonoids may also help your eyesight, prevent cravings, improve balance, co-ordination and short-term memory. A bowl (approx. 145 grams) of raspberries packs four grams of fiber and more than your daily vitamin C requirements. How Important is Salt? Often times we see people with low thyroid conditions who have not eaten salt for years, either because their doctor told them not to eat it or they "read it somewhere" that it was bad for them. Salt is present in all body fluids - blood, sweat and tears are all salty and mimic planet earth's original sea water. Our cells are bathed in a sodium based cellular fluid and when in the womb our bodies are grown in the salty solution of our mothers amniotic fluid. Our bodies contain approximately 450 grams of salt, which must be kept replenished in order to maintain our normal health and vigour. Natural unrefined salt is one of the most essential elements of life. Without it the human body cannot be sustained. The most important elements to sustain human life in order are oxygen, water, sunlight, and natural salt! Some of the signs of salt deficiency include: Tiredness, pain, acidosis, anxiety, low blood sugars, confusion, and extreme fatigue. Eventually if the deficiency is not corrected then a person can die from a salt deficiency! Many of these symptoms go unrecognised as a salt deficiency and no amount of tonics, drugs, or surgery will correct these conditions except humble salt. Different Types of Salt Not all salts are created equal! Normal table salt does not contain the full complement of minerals and is usually found with added "free flowing agents". These agents are usually derived from aluminum and arsenic compounds. We consider these salts to be pure white and deadly! Natural unprocessed salt on the other hand has not lost any of its minerals and still contains significantly higher levels of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, boron, selenium and other elements then normal table salt. Natural salt is the most suited for life on this planet and can be directly beneficial to maintaining health and preventing disease. New Zealand has some of the finest salt in the world and is harvested from the clear waters of the Pacific Ocean. These waters are evaporated using the natural process of negative ionizing (using the sun and wind) - a process which takes two years. The resulting crystals contain within them trapped sunlight, and essential minerals with alkalizing properties - vital principles of nature and essential to the human physiology. Unprocessed natural salt is compatible for all body types and blood groups. It simply tastes delicious! Its mild flavour enhances all culinary dishes without overpowering and its use everyday provides the bottom line of daily essential minerals and trace elements. Iodine Iodine is an essential element and vital to the health of the thyroid gland. This gland, amongst its many other functions, governs the body's metabolic rate. Unfortunately iodine is unstable in heat. This means that although natural sea water is high in iodine, the evaporation process results in very little iodine remaining present after the salt has dried. For this very reason, salt has added iodine. However, potassium iodine is also unstable in heat and can evaporate when used in cooking (this form of iodine only lasts twenty four hours in the body). Natural organic iodine lasts twice as long and is best used with other minerals and vitamins necessary for its absorption. The Role of Salt in the Body Salt is essential for the human physiology. Some of its roles within the human body include: Salt extracts excess acidity out of the cells in the body, particularly in the brain. Salt helps to balance blood sugar levels. Salt helps to maintain acid alkaline balance in the blood. It assists digestion by supplying chlorine (which is necessary for protein digestion). It has a role in the generation of hydroelectric energy (the local power generation of a cell). Salt is vital in order for nerves to communicate. Salt is vital for clearance of the lungs from mucus plugs and sticky phlegm (particularly where asthma and cystic fibrosis are involved). Salt is vital for cleaning up catarrh and sinus congestion. Salt is a strong antihistamine. Salt is essential for the prevention of muscle cramps. Salt is absolutely vital for making the structures of bones firm - 50% of the sodium in the body is in the bones. Uses of Salt Salt is not just for adding flavour to our foods. It may be interesting to learn that salt can be used to treat many conditions. Some of the more interesting uses of salt include: Aids Digestion: Great for sore tummies or dyspepsia, salt aids the digestion of protein. Use 1/4 to 1/2 a teaspoon in water twice daily until relief. Catarrh (Sticky Mucus): Add 1/4 a teaspoon to half a litre of warm milk. Sniff the solution warm from a tablespoon into one nostril. Hold the other nostril closed and allow the solution to run to the other side. Repeat the process on the other side. You can gradually increase the strength of the solution each week. Chronic Sore Eyes: Dissolve 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt in 14 cups of water. Bathe the eyes in this solution two or three times a day. If pain is felt, lay a wet cloth soaked with the solution over the eyelids instead. Boil Poultice: A poultice of salt and the white of an egg can be very effective. Neuralgia: A small sack of salt will often relieve this painful condition. Toothache: A solution of salt and water mixed with spirits of camphor or clove oil (eugenol) applied to the tooth with a cotton ball can provide relief. Warm salt water held to the tooth is also effective in some cases. Colic: A teaspoon of salt dissolved in half a cup of cold water taken at the onset of an attack can provide relief. Epilepsy (Fits & Convulsions): Half a teaspoon of salt in water can bring relief in some cases (but it must be taken as soon as possible). Fever: Salt is lost during fever and one teaspoon taken daily in water each morning following the fever can speed up recovery. Follow with adequate water. Cough: A pinch of salt upon retiring at night can provide relief. Diarrhea: Salt and cider vinegar combined can provide relief. Add one teaspoon to one tablespoon (depending upon age) combined with 1/4 of a cup of good cider. The solution should be taken as hot as possible every five or ten minutes until the whole is consumed. Worms: To one cup of tepid water add one teaspoonful of salt. Use this in an enema once daily and in four or five days the person should be free of pin and thread worms. Radiant Skin & Exfoliation: Get that natural salt glow! Rub the body with wet salt before or during your shower. Towel dry when finished. Sore Throats: Gargle with salt water every hour. Dandruff: Wash the head every two days with a strong solution of salt water. Rinse with a little apple cider and water. Hives: Bind salt onto the back of the neck. Clean Teeth & Gingivitis (Bleeding Gums): Mix equal parts salt and baking soda and apply with a damp soft toothbrush. Brush the margins of the gums and teeth at a 45 degree angle twice daily. Your minimum daily requirement of salt is around 1/8 of a teaspoon, ideally you should consume 1/2 level teaspoon and no more than one teaspoon daily. Don't forget that a large number of processed foods are very high in salt (sodium). McCammon Ocean Salt We have some of the best salt in the world here in our clinic. Our natural, unprocessed Pacific Ocean salt is like nothing else. This salt is our "labor of love" and you simply won't find quality like this anywhere else. We purchase the raw salt in large quantities before any processing has occurred to it (known as natural organic input salt) - this ensures that no essential nutrients are removed from the salt and no nasty chemicals (such as free flowing agents) are added to it. It is totally natural, just the way that nature intended it. We have many different varieties of salt which are suitable for all sorts of occasions. Our range includes: Plain White Salt This salt contains fully mineralised natural salt, free of free flowing agents, preservatives, or anything unnatural. This is the ideal table salt for all occasions. Mineral & Vitamin Salt This salt is fully mineralised with added alfalfa leaf powder which makes the salt green in colour. The addition of alfalfa to the salt greatly increases the vitamins and minerals that the salt contains. This salt contains calcium, chromium, iron, magnesium, potassium, sodium, selenium, zinc (essential for proper thyroid function) as well as vitamins A, C, thiamine, niacin, and riboflavin. Our most popular salt. Heart Friendly Salt Again this salt is fully mineralised and has a tangy astringent flavour. It contains natural unprocessed Pacific Ocean salt, garlic, cayenne, and cumin powder. The addition of these natural ingredients makes the salt appear red in colour and provides additional minerals and vitamins as well as antioxidants. Naturally Organic Iodized Salt This fully mineralised salt contains additional organic kelp giving it a brown appearance and a mild taste of seaweed. It contains additional organic iodine which, unlike synthetic iodine, lasts twice as long in the body. Iodine is critical to the health of the thyroid - an essential gland that governs our metabolic rate and immunity amongst other things. How to Order Our Salts You may purchase our salts in the following ways: You may come into our clinic at 26 Conway Street Christchurch and purchase it directly. You can safely order our products on line at http://www.nzherbal.com/orders.htm. You may also contact us by phone ((03) 332 1786) or fax ((03) 332 1486) to place your order. Finally you can also email us your order. Our address for orders is orders@nzherbal.com. Please do not send credit card information as e-mails since e-mails are an insecure medium of communication. Our salts come in 450 gram containers and packets and only cost $9.50 each. This may be a wee bit more then other salts, but the quality, taste, and safety of our salt is worth the extra price. Diet - What's a Good Daily Food Routine? Our most asked question in clinic, "what's a good daily food routine?". The simple answer is that a good regular food routine will depend upon you blood type, body type, constitution, and any illnesses you may suffer. However, there are general rules that apply to everyone. These include: Consumes as much whole unprocessed food as you can (i.e. avoid refined white bread, white sugar, coffee, pork, etc.) Consume at least one fresh raw item of food each day. Try and make a rainbow out of your fresh food - in other words give it as much colour as possible. Consume at least six portions of vegetables per day. Consume two pieces of whole fruit per day. Blueberries and raspberries are not only delicious, but very good for you too! Consume one good source of protein each day. The best choices for protein are fish, lean meat, or organic chicken. If you are a vegetarian then be careful that you are taking enough protein. Consuming nuts and seeds helps in these situations (almonds are amongst the best). Consume at least one complex carbohydrate each day. Kumaras, potatoes, yams, parsnips, and whole grain breads are great examples of complex carbohydrates. Consumes at least six to ten glasses of fresh water per day. Try to avoid distilled water since it contains no minerals or trace elements. Try to ensure that you consume 1/2 teaspoon of natural unprocessed salt per day. Remember that a lot of processed foods are very high in sodium (salt). Take at least the two basic herbal formulas (Mineral Max & Blood Purifying Tonic) on a daily basis to prevent disease and promote well being. For those with a chronic or genetic weakness, then don't forget to take your prescribed herbal, homeopathic, or ayurvedic medicines. We encourage all of our patients and their families to follow the 5+ a day campaign (http://www.5aday.co.nz). If you have young children, then remember that the food choices you are making for them at this stage in life will often reflect what they choice to eat later on in life. Remember: "Its not what you do some of the time that counts - its what you do most of the time". - Dr Bernard Jensen Super Water Water is one of the most important elements on earth. Without it, there would be no life on this planet. Your brain cells are 85% water, and your soft tissue cells are 75% water - one of the many reasons why it is so important to drink plenty of pure natural water each day. Some of the other reasons why it is so important to drink water are: Without water nothing lives. Comparative shortages of water can kill certain aspects of the body. Water is the main source of energy; it is the "energy flow" of the body. Water generates electrical and magnetic energy inside each cell. Water is used during the breakdown of food into smaller particles and during their eventual metabolism. Water energizes food particles, which are then able to supply the body with energy during digestion. Water increases the efficiency of the red blood cells within the body (red blood cells provide oxygen to the body). Water is the bonding adhesive in the cellular structure. Water prevents DNA damage and makes its repair mechanisms more efficient (less abnormal DNA is made). Water greatly increases the efficiency of the immune system and has been shown to reduce certain types of cancers (by quite a significant amount). Water is the main solvent for all foods, vitamins and minerals. It is also involved in their transport throughout the body. Every cell in your body is surrounded by a mild saline solution much like that of the original sea water found on earth. Water plays a vital role in the communication between cells. Every cell has millions of different kinds of receptors which are used for different chemical messenger systems from the brain. Receptors are easily killed by dehydration which creates a loss of function. Each cell requires specialised nutrition delivered in this fluid medium. The waste products produced by cells must also be removed through the same medium and taken to the lymphatic system, lungs, skin, and kidneys for disposal. Without adequate water and salt a condition of dehydration is created and the body then creates histamine in a desperate attempt to conserve water. Histamine is associated with allergies and pain. When embarking on a herbal program, water plays a critical role. The herbs within any formula (particularly the Blood Purification formula) are more efficiently delivered and offending waste products more easily removed when adequate water is consumed. Online Orders Many of you may be unaware that you can now safely order our products online via our web site. We recommend the use of our web site since it provides you with the following benefits: It saves you a trip to our clinic. Your order usually arrives the next day if you are located within Christchurch and within two to three days if you are elsewhere in the country. You can order anytime, day or night! For many of you who work 9 to 5 our web site provides an easy way to reorder your prescriptions without having to wait for your days off. If your order is to be delivered within the Christchurch region we do not charge you any freight no matter how small or large your order is. For those of you outside of Christchurch we only charge $6.50 per order, of if your order is $250 or more then your shipping is free also! This saves you time and money (petrol is certainly getting expensive isn't it!). Your credit card information and personal details are secure. The information you give us is transmitted encrypted through the Internet and once your order has been processed we remove any trace of your credit card information from our systems. So visit our "Online Herb Shop" at http://www.nzherbal.com/orders.htm next time you want to purchase products from us. Wishing you all the best this month from all the team here at New Zealand Herbals! Team: Michael McCammon N.D. (practitioner, managing director), Christopher Toki (practitioner, naturopath), Marie Grant (secretary and coordinator), Alexander Brouwer (computer technician & programmer), Christine Chaston (herbal technician), and Rose McGown (herb & organic gardens).

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	The Herbalist
	August 2005