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Is Fasting Healthy For The Body?

Intermittent fasting

FASTING e.g. Ramadan can wreak havoc with blood glucose and insulin levels. Why do some actually LOSE WEIGHT during Ramadan? Read on to find out…
FAQs: Is fasting healthy for diabetics? Why do I gain weight during Ramadan? Are there any health benefits to fasting? Can I IMPROVE BRAIN plasticity and HEALTH by FASTING INTERMITTENTLY? READ ON….

Is Fasting Healthy For The Body?

Benefits of fasting – what happens when the body fasts:

After a few hours of fasting, the body starts to burn fat. Also cholesterol is broken down into beneficial bile acids. This is like a lightbulb inside the brain switches on only at night (when you are fasting) this highlights energy pathways used in: RREE

REPAIR. RENEWAL. The liver shuts down glucose production for several hours, lowering blood glucose levels. Instead of ending up in the bloodstream, extra glucose is used to repair damaged cells and make new DNA, which can help prevent chronic inflammation. ENZYMATIC ACTION. ENERGY RELEASE. Meanwhile, liver enzymes are activated and help in the creation of brown fat (the good kind, which converts extra calories to heat). RREE

  • Weight loss
  • Life Extension
  • Gut health
  • Will power

Weight loss

Fasting can make exercising for fat loss more efficient. In turn, exercising makes fasting easier. Burning fat also releases something called ‘glycerol’ from your body-fat stores. When the fatty acids are released, so is the glycerol. Glycerol is a valuable precursor for gluconeogenesis [a metabolic pathway] in the liver that helps keep blood glucose stable.

However, there are studies of obese people developing Candida albicans infections when fasting causes ketosis. So there’s evidence pointing to the idea that KETONE PRODUCTION is not a good idea. Read more about this here. 

intermittent fasting

intermittent fasting

Life extension

Studies indicate that short-term fasting can increase longevity, HELP REGULATE GLUCOSE LEVELS, and help treat everything from ASTHMA and AUTOIMMUNE diseases to CARDIAC arrhythmias.

Exercise! Yes, EXERCISE and intermittent fasting improve brain plasticity and health according to this study. 

Gut health

Caloric restriction might mediate its health-promoting effects on the body by inducing a healthy gut microbiota or gut microbiome. 

A Calorie restricted diet reduces the abundance of bacteria that correlate negatively with lifespan. These changes are associated with reduced serum levels of lipopolysaccharide-binding protein – a marker often associated with inflammation. This suggests that reduced inflammation caused by antigens from gut bacteria might be one of the health benefits transmitted by caloric restriction.

Calorie restriction diet

Calorie restriction or a calorie restriction diet is not necessarily the same as fasting or intermittent fasting. Further studies are needed to clarify how these structural changes in the gut microbiota may extend lifespan. Also further studies are needed to validate whether they could serve as biomarkers for the development of dietary anti-ageing interventions.

Is Fasting Healthy For The Body?

Will Power

Taking ownership of our health requires determination and will power to do so. Fasting or intermittent fasting can help build up your phycological capabilities or mental strength like re-training your mind or remapping neuro-pathways in your brain so that your will have a memory of this healthy behaviour, or the feelings associated with fasting, for life.

Hunger and weight loss DO NOT always go hand in hand. Fasting can ‘remind’ your body this long-term.

SAFE. CLINICAL. PRACTICAL. EFFECTIVE.

NOTE:

The body relies on key nutrients to eliminate toxins, build healthy tissue and more. Therefore, intermittent fasting can cause problems for people who are not generally well nourished.

If you are suffering from autoimmune or chronic illness e.g. diabetes, CVD it is SAFE to seek advice regarding fasting around your Naturopathic Portfolio 

WHOLE GRAIN GLUTEN FREE FOODS

Gluten Free Fiber

Gluten free food is available now more than ever. Gluten free recipes too. William Davis’ book “Wheat Belly” drew attention to wheat and gluten consumption on belly fat. Stars like Gwyneth Paltrow of GOOP swear by a gluten-free diet. Tennis star Novak Djokovic eats gluten-free.

BUT IS A GLUTEN FREE DIET HEALTHY? Djokovic suggested the secret of his best season ever in 2011 was going gluten-free.

Gluten free recipes or gluten free food; food free from gluten don’t contain gliadin. That doesn’t mean they’re healthy. 

Nutritious whole grains aren’t always found in gluten free cereal.
Wholegrains are part of a heart healthy diet.

Unless fortified, what do we get from gluten free food nutrient wise? Now we’ve lots of Gluten free cereal to choose from.

Whole grain

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT WHOLEGRAINS? Wholegrains can provide us with enough fibre and help us meet our RDA vitamins. Eating the right type of fibre or fiber and the right amount RDA of fibre can help improve our cardiovascular and overall health. 2 factors prevent us from eating enough fibre. Whether it’s fibre or fiber in your part of the world 🙂

i) Food labels. Names listed on food labs be confusing.
ii) Gluten free diets

According to Coeliac UK most people in the UK do not eat enough fibre and knowing about whole grain gluten free foods is one way to increase fibre intake. 
Adults in the UK should have 18 grams of fibre daily. There are no recommendations for children, but they should eat proportionally less.

Healthy Gluten Free Diet

Where am I getting my whole grains from? Can you get whole grain gluten free foods?
On a Gluten free Diet because you’ve accurately diagnosed with coeliac disease? Or on a GF diet because you’ve identified with gluten intolerance ? Don’t miss out on nature’s super healthy outer layers of unrefined whole grain.

whole grain gluten free foods

whole grain gluten free foods

The “whole” in whole grains. To get your whole grain gluten free foods we should understand what is a whole grain exactly. In their original, unprocessed state, grains like wheat, oats, kasha and rice have outer layers or coats. These layers contain healthy vitamins, minerals and fiber as well as carbohydrates, some protein and healthy, unsaturated fats. A breakdown of the healthy layers:

  • Bran – Outer layer of the grain that contains fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins, phytochemicals, and 50-80% of minerals in grains like iron, copper, zinc, magnesium
  • Endosperm – middle largest layer containing mostly carbohydrates, protein, and small amounts of some B vitamins and minerals – Refined grains are mainly composed of only the endosperm portion of the grain. The milling process removes most of the bran and some germ, along with the majority of fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytochemicals. As much as 75% of phytochemicals (phytonutrients) are lost in the refining process!
  • Germ – inner component containing healthy fats, B vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants like vitamin E

In humans phytochemicals can help to protect against chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2-diabetes and cancer. Hundreds of different phytochemicals exist in whole grains!

whole grain gluten free foods

So now you’re convinced of the power of whole grains. Here’s how to get them on your plate and in your gut for good gut health and a chance at keeping your blood sugar stable, feeling fuller for longer and avoiding weight gain on a gluten free diet.

Your Naturopathic Portfolio is Safe. Clinical. Practical. Effective.

5 Wholegrain Gluten free Foods      [tweetthis]5 Wholegrain Gluten free Foods[/tweetthis]

1) Teff 2) Buckwheat 3) Amaranth 4) Millet 5) Teff … EAT DRINK TAKE MAKE … whole grain gluten free foods

Teff: This smallest of grains is nutty and earthy in flavor. Use 3 parts water to 1 part teff. Boil water, add grain and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. The texture of teff is like cream of wheat and the flour can be used to make pancakes. You can add cooked teff to soup or use teff as the main ingredient for polenta instead of cornmeal.

Buckwheat: Despite its name, buckwheat is not related to wheat. So we can include it as one of our 5 whole grain gluten free foods. Buckwheat is pyramid shaped and known as kasha or buckwheat groats. To bring out its earthy flavour, you can cook 1 cup buckwheat with one egg in a large deep non-stick pan over medium heat. Do no forget to stir the buckwheat. This keeps it from clumping until the mixture is dry and separated. Add 2 cups water or broth and cook uncovered over low heat for about 15 minutes. You can mix cooked buckwheat with lentils or other pulses, herbs and a bit of goat cheese or ricotta (casein free). Or Alternatively use it as to stuff bell peppers, courgettes, aubergines, squash, rolled cabbage leaves, squash, etc. Buckwheat flour can be used to make buckwheat pancakes.

Quinoa: Quinoa must be rinsed well before cooking to remove bitter-tasting saponins.  Quinoa cooks in just 15 minutes. Use 2 parts water to 1 part quinoa. You can use quinoa in an array of salads e.g. instead of bulgur to make tabbouleh. Quinoa is also a good substitute for rice in dessert rice pudding.

Amaranth: Amaranth is approx. the size of a poppy seed and has a light peppery taste. It’s one of the best savoury whole grain gluten free foods. You can use 3 to 6 parts water to 1 part amaranth. Boil water, add grain and gently boil for 15 to 20 minutes. As it cooks, amaranth softens from the inside, releases a lot of starch and thickens the cooking liquid. Rinse cooked amaranth and let it drain before using. You can use amaranth to thicken soups and stews. You might want to add milk, seasonal fruit and raw honey for a healthy breakfast. You can even “pop” dried amaranth and make it into a granola-type bar.

Gluten Free Diet

Gluten Free Diet

Millet: Millet is about the size of a small mustard seed, this grain has a mild flavor. Use 2 to 3 parts water to 1 part millet. Boil water, add grain and gently boil for 35 to 40 minutes. You may also “toast” millet in a hot pan before boiling to get a nuttier flavor. Top millet with ground fresh cinnamon bark and seasonal fruit for breakfast or add to make a salad with tomatoes, radishes and chopped basil, for example. Millet is also a great alternative to rice in casseroles, meat dishes and stuffing.

Always read the label. The first ingredient listed should say “100 percent whole grain.” Avoid any food that mentions the phrase “enriched” or “refined.” Look for the Whole Grain Stamp from the nonprofit Whole Grains Council. The “Whole Grain” stamp tells you that the product contains at least a half serving of whole grains.

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Child’s Environmental Allergies

Allergies

Addressing your child’s environmental allergies? Allergies aren’t always easy to identify. Know if your child is prone to allergies to begin with– it’s a good start. Naturopath and Osteopath Susannah with special interests in functional nutrition answers readers of Small Magazine ‘s question:

My husband suffers from environmental allergies so we’re worried about our child developing them, too. What should we look out for? 

Susannah Makram, registered Naturopath and Osteopath answer RE: Your child’s environmental allergies

A child who sneezes or coughs a lot, who frequently develops a skin rash, hives (urticarial) or eczema (atopic dermatitis), asthma or difficulty breathing may have environmental allergies. Hives often itch or sting and can spread. Skin is red and irritated with eczema and occasionally results in small, fluid-filled bumps that may become moist and ooze, typically across the child’s extremities.

Any child may develop such allergies, and they are more common in children from families with a history of such reactions – notably, allergic reactions share a genetic link, while specific allergies do not. Studies also show a gender-specific genetic link in inherited allergies.

Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is the most common childhood ailment caused by allergies. Symptoms include a runny and itchy nose, sneezing, postnasal drip and nasal congestion. If you suspect your toddler has allergies, look out for itchy, watery, red eyes and chronic or recurrent ear problems.

Allergy Symptoms

Allergies and asthma often occur together. The same substances that trigger hay fever symptoms may also cause asthma signs and symptoms, such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness. This is called allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma. Certain substances, such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander, are common triggers.

Most Common allergens

Allergies are the most common cause of chronic nasal congestion (a stuffy nose) in children. Your child’s nose may be congested to the point that he or she is breathing through their mouth, especially whilst asleep, which can lead to tiredness or irritability the next day. If nasal congestion and mouth-breathing are left untreated, they can affect the growth of teeth and the bones of the face.

Allergies lead to inflammation in the ear and may cause fluid accumulation that can promote ear infections and decreased hearing. As a baby whose hearing is impaired for any reason while learning to talk, your toddler may develop poor speech.

The most to least common allergens: pollen, grass, dust mites, moulds and weeds, so do observe your toddler around these.

Allergy Food

Ninety per cent of food-allergic reactions are to peanuts, eggs, milk, (shell)fish, wheat, soy, tree nuts.

All allergies range in severity from minor irritation to anaphylaxis —a potentially life-threatening emergency. Anaphylaxis causes confusion, rapid heart beat/palpitations, swelling of lips, tongue, throat, bluish skin, nausea, dizziness, fainting. If you suspect that your child is suffering from allergies, make an appointment with your GP or a paediatric allergy specialist to assess the situation.

Signs Your Child Has Allergies

Signs your child has allergies

Susannah Answers readers questions about their children’s environmental allergies in the June Summer 2015 Issue of Smallish Magazine.

A lots of parents worry about children’s food allergies but sometimes environmental allergies can require attention as well. It can be difficult to know when you child is most susceptible. What signs should you look out for in children who are susceptible to allergies? What are the most common symptoms of allergies?

Reader:

My husband suffers from environmental allergies so we’re worried about our child developing them, too. What should we look out for?

Susannah: 

A child who sneezes or coughs a lot, who frequently develops a skin rash, hives (urticaria) or eczema (atopic dermatitis), asthma or difficulty breathing may have environmental allergies. Hives often itch or sting and can spread. Skin is red and irritated with eczema and occasionally results in small, fluid-filled bumps that may become moist and ooze, typically across the child’s extremities.

Any child may develop such allergies, and they are more common in children…

Read the rest of Susannah’s answer here

 

PCOS and Weight

How to eat for PCOS

Concerned with PCOS related weight struggles? Knowing how to eat for PCOS (today) begins with taking a hormone profile. Balancing hormones with nutrition helps with lots of PCOS symptoms. It’s frustrating when you try things without knowing if they’ll work for you. We take healthy weight loss seriously and here we focus on safe, practical solutions for you.

Follow @susannahmakram if you haven’t met her yet here

We  have knowledge that is not known to the medical community as to how we can improve quality of life. Weight gain and PCOS and not the end of the story. They can be the start of your health journey.

PCOS stats: 25% of perfectly normal women display polycystic ovaries at one time or other (1). Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine system disorder among women of reproductive age. PCOS affects us in a variety of ways. First, it’s important to understand how diagnosing PCOS is not enough by ultrasound alone. At Susannah Makram Clinics we use a functional approach, integrated care pathways, functional nutrition.

Diagnosis of PCOS

In some cases, PCOS develops later during the reproductive years. For instance, in response to substantial weight gain so we need to look closely at both PCOS and weight gain in context.

PCOS and weight gain – all of the signs and symptoms of PCOS can worsen with obesity.
When do we notice signs of PCOS typically? After a woman first begins having periods is typically the time that signs and symptoms of PCOS begin.

Signs and symptoms of PCOS

Signs and symptoms of PCOS

Diagnosis of PCOS is too often misunderstood. So, it’s best to get the right information. We outline these in your consultation.
Irregular periods. This is the most common characteristic. Examples include menstrual intervals longer than 35 days; fewer than eight menstrual cycles a year; failure to menstruate for four months or longer; and prolonged periods that may be scant or heavy. Ask us how you can obtain a more conclusive diagnosis of PCOS – how is it made and can we help you?
Excess androgen. Elevated levels of male hormones (androgens) may result in physical signs, such as excess facial and body hair (hirsutism), adult acne or severe adolescent acne, and male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).
Women with PCOS may have enlarged ovaries that contain small collections of fluid — called follicles — located in each ovary as seen during an ultrasound exam.

How to clear pcos

Irregular ovulation is usually detectable by a long history, usually dating back to when your periods first began, of irregular cycle length or unpredictable menstrual bleeding. Some women with PCOS however, will begin their reproductive lives with regular cycles and then have the cycles become irregular during their early 20’s.

PCOS and weight gain

PCOS and weight gain

PCOS and weight

A big clue to possible PCOS is a history of abnormal male hormone production in a woman. Male type hormones are known medically as androgens. All women normally make a small amount of these androgens. The most common androgen that is found elevated beyond the normal low female levels in women with PCOS is Testosterone. Testosterone is a very potent male hormone. And this elevation of male Testosterone hormone in women with PCOS helps explain many of the “clinical findings” (what we see) found with PCOS shown below and separate to or in conjunction with PCOS and weight gain:

  1. ‘Androgen driven hair loss’ which is responsible for the majority of inherited hair loss in men (androgenetic) and for the hair loss in women who have PCOS.
  2. Facial or body hair growth – hair growth on the upper lip, on the chin, in the “sideburn” areas, in the middle of the abdomen, in the area around the nipples and in on the fingers or toes
  3. Pigmentation of the skin, especially on the neck – excess brownish pigmentation on the neck or behind the ears “acanthosis nigricans”
  4. Acne resistant to the usual treatment methods or persisting beyond age 15. Acne is the skin’s reaction to sebum or oil production where the excess oil blocks the normal drainage channels of the skin causing inflammation and pimples. At puberty, many boys develop acne from their sudden rise in testosterone production. Boys make far more testosterone than the girls, so the boys tend to get far more acne than the girls. Acne in an adolescent female is also the result of a (normally) small amount of testosterone arising from the awakening ovary. Girls normally make very little testosterone, so their skin conditions and associated acne are usually far less severe than that seen in the boys. A sign of underlying excess male hormone production in a female may be excess or severe acne.
  5. Weight gain and the inability to lose weight with normal weight loss measures

To summarise, irregular menstrual cycles can be monitored personally and self-screening for possible excess male hormone production means looking for any or all of the following as possible evidence of PCOS related excess hormone production

Noticing signs at an early stage to help identify PCOS and get the right care and treatment.

Facial hair growth   –   Hair growth on the upper lip  –   Hair growth on the chest   –   Hair growth on the arms and legs   –   Hair growth on the back –   Excess skin oiliness –   Resistant Acne –   Weight gain that   “won’t come off”   –   Pigmentation of the skin on the neck or behind the ears –   Social aggression or seclusion –   Increased libido

 

How To Treat Psoriasis

Psoriasis Facts

Here’s how to treat psoriasis by treating its cause. Natural remedies can work if we start at the root of the problem, there’s no point chugging celery juice if you’ve got a leaky gut. Psoriasis affects 2% – 3% of the UK. Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes thickening, redness, scaling.

Psoriasis Triggers

The causes of psoriasis remain unknown but it can run in families. It can be precipitated by illnesses. Psoriasis, therefore, is believed to be linked to problems with the immune system. Stress or even some medications may trigger psoriasis. When you have psoriasis, your body starts producing too many skin cells. Although there is no cure, per se, the condition can be well controlled using the Susannah Makram Clinics functional care approach.

Celebrities With Psoriasis

Cara Delevingne – model, Hollywood actress – revealed her psoriasis trigger – stress. Catwalk modelling made her ‘hate herself and her body’. Kim Kardashian suffers with psoriasis and dedicated time on Keeping up With The Kardashians to showcase her psoriasis symptoms and shame.

Psoriasis can affect the whole of the skin including the scalp and nails. Occasionally it can be associated with arthritis – characterised by remission and ‘flare ups’.

Many diseases that seem totally unrelated to the gut, such as eczema or psoriasis or arthritis, are actually caused by gut problems. 

So if you have to get you gut working properly, how do you get good gut health? Here’s how to treat psoriasis…

Gut Health and Psoriasis

1) EAT 2) DRINK – what food should I cut out for good gut health? gluten, dairy, yeast, corn, soy and eggs yeast, corn, soy and eggs? – e.g. irritants associated with food intolerance or (common) inflammatory triggers.

ASK the questions. Ask why before you do decide to go gluten free and dairy free. Understand why you are advised to avoid yeast, corn, soy and eggs. If asked to go sugar free, is this sugar or specifically high fructose corn syrup?
Safe, Clinical, Practical, Effective management of food intolerance or suspected allergies is a process. PHASE 1 and PHASE 2 use elimination of the suspected food. If indicated this will confirm your diagnosis so your Naturopathic Portfolio treatment works for you.

How To Treat Psoriasis

3) TAKE 4) MAKE – functional laboratory testing – gut health analysis. e.g. testing for SIBO To treat the right, if any, infections or overgrowth of bugs like parasites, small bowel bacteria, or yeasts. This is part of PHASE 1-2. You might not need any special tests at all.

psoriasis and nutrition

how to treat psoriasis 

E.g. Taking digestive enzymes with food or taking the right probiotics as recommended for you. Susannah takes care to consider the right dosage when treating psoriasis. How to treat psoriasis properly factors dosage into your 4 PHASE Portfolio due to timing and bioavailability. These are tailored to have the best possible effect on your overall health. Your Naturopathic Portfolio is an unique as your DNA. Our body systems are complex. Nutrition is an exact science. Your Portfolio is simple. EAT DRINK TAKE MAKE for you only. Taking extra omega 3 fat supplements may help cool inflammation in the gut.
Gut-healing nutrients such as glutamine and zinc may work for you but it depends on what exactly needs healing, requires attention.

There is no trial and error in the functional medicine method. You have to treat the cause to get the result. 

What does Psoriasis look like?

There are several clinical patterns of psoriasis:
Chronic Plaque– The commonest variant, it tends to occur on the extensor aspects of the elbows and knees and in the scalp. Skin changes include pink or red inflamed, thickened plaques with copious white scale (see image).
Sebopsoriasis – similar to scalp psoriasis but can occur on the face, chest, armpits and groin
Flexural – raw, red areas in the groin, armpits or under the breasts
Guttate – multiple small spots of psoriasis that erupt on the trunk following a sore throat or illness (see image).
Erythrodermic – extensive disease covering more than 90% of the body surface area.
Palmoplantar pustular – pus-filled inflamed spots and the palms and soles
Pustular – the most severe form of psoriasis, skin lesions are red, tender and filled with pus spots

Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis Treatment

 

Psoriasis Treatment

Conventional treatment of psoriasis can be divided into three basic strategies depending on severity, namely creams, phototherapy (ultraviolet/sunlight) or systemic medication (oral or injectable drugs). Creams include emollients, soap substitutes, vitamin D, tar, steroids. Phototherapy involves precise doses of ultraviolet light being delivered by a medical UV-machine. Systemic medications include tablets such as acitretin, methotrexate and ciclosporin or injectables such as etanercept, adalimumab or ustekinemab. These powerful drugs are reserved for severe or life-limiting psoriasis.

Chances are, we’ve come across some one who is suffering from psoriasis. They’re likely being treated using methods of conventional medicine. This means their psoriasis is being treated symptomatically. Have we ever wondered why they’re still suffering from psoriasis? By pioneering and pushing the boundaries of functional healthcare in UK at Susannah Makram Clinics we’re dedicated to achieving excellence in healthcare by managing chronic conditions, treating he cause of dysfunction. We’re documenting successful treatment outcomes daily.

When we want to heal our skin we need to heal our gut. When we have knowledge we have power. When we take ownership of our health, we see and feel changes in every aspect of our lives. In the four phases. 

SUBSCRIBE to Susannah Makram TV for our unique video mini series on naturopathic skincare In The Four Phases.

Cholesterol – Debunking Myths

High fat diet cholesterol

HIGH FAT DIET – What’s this? HIGH CHOLESTEROL DIET works by lowering intake of dietary fat – true or false? High fat diets like paleo or bullet proof, low carb or Atkins cause cholesterol problems, correct? Not true, entirely. One of the biggest cholesterol myths out there has to do with dietary fat. READ ON AS WE BREAK THIS DOWN…Susannah debunks cholesterol myths.
✗ Trans fats or hydrogenated fats and saturated fats promote abnormal cholesterol, whereas…

✔ Omega-3 fats and monounsaturated fats actually improve the type and quantity of the cholesterol your body produces.          

LOW fat diet

LOW fat diet

Cholesterol Level – What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver. The body uses it to help build your cell membranes, the covering of your nerve sheaths, and much of your brain. It’s a key building block for our hormone production: testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol. 

✔ The biggest source of abnormal cholesterol is sugar and specifically High Fructose Corn Syrup.

✗ “Corn sugar” or High Fructose Corn Syrup HFCS and cane sugar are essentially the same

HFCS and cane sugar are NOT biochemically identical or processed the same way by the body.     

“The digestion, absorption, and metabolism of fructose differ from those of glucose. Hepatic metabolism of fructose favors de novo lipogenesis (production of fat in the liver). In addition, unlike glucose, fructose does not stimulate insulin secretion or enhance leptin production. Because insulin and leptin act as key afferent signals in the regulation of food intake and body weight (to control appetite), this suggests that dietary fructose may contribute to increased energy intake and weight gain. Furthermore, calorically sweetened beverages may enhance caloric over-consumption.” (i)

✔ HFCS contains toxic levels of mercury because of chlor-alkali products used in its manufacturing.

✔ Consumption of high fructose corn syrup, which is present in soft drinks or fizzy drinks, many juices, and most processed foods, is the primary nutritional cause of most of the cholesterol issues

Harmony & Sensuality. Romantic Blond Female in Black Dress resting in Armchair. Satisfaction

HIGH CHOLESTEROL

✔  Total cholesterol is not as critical as the following:

  • Your levels of HDL “good” cholesterol vs. LDL “bad” cholesterol
  • Your triglyceride levels
  • Your ratio of triglycerides to HDL
  • Your ratio of total cholesterol to HDL

✗ Your lipid profile as often requested by your GP will indicate levels of LDL – keeping this in check is enough to keep you off statins e.g. Lipitor

✗ It is not important to know that there are different sizes of cholesterol particles.

✔ There are different sizes of cholesterol particles. There are small and large particles of LDL, HDL, and triglycerides. The most dangerous are the small, dense particles that act like tiny bullets, easily penetrating your arteries. Large, fluffy cholesterol particles are practically harmless–even if your total cholesterol is high. They bounce off the arteries like beach balls and cause no harm.

✔ The risk of arterial plaque is the more accurate heart attack risk assessment

✔ CVD – as with all disease states – can be prevented or targeted treatment can be administered only by determining the cause; examination and assessment of overall health, the interaction of your genes, lifestyle, and environment that ultimately determines your risks — and the outcome of your life. We practice this functional approach here

Rancid or oxidised cholesterol results from oxidative stress and free radicals, which trigger a vicious cycle of inflammation and fat or plaque deposition under the artery walls.        [tweetthis]Rancid or oxidised #cholesterol results from oxidative stress and free radicals[/tweetthis]    That is the real danger: When small dense LDL particles are oxidised they become dangerous and start the build up of plaque or cholesterol deposits in your arteries.

✔ What is the point in discovering that this is the case by targeted testing if there is no solution? The solution is your Naturopathic Portfolio: Safe, Clinical, Practical, Effective management of this cause or the causes of this type of inflammation. If oxidative stress is a factor then the right antioxidant therapy will play a part – at the right time – in the right way, that is bioavailable and therefore taken up and used by your body to eradicate this issue.

✗  By the time there is inflammation it is too late 

✔ As discussed, cardiovascular illness results when key bodily functions go awry, causing inflammation, imbalances in blood sugar and insulin and oxidative stress

✔ We use the science of nutrigenomics, or how food acts as information. This can be used to stall or totally prevent some predisposed disease risks by turning on the right gene messages with our diet and lifestyle choices. That means some of the factors that unbalance bodily health are under your control, or could be given the right test and therefore, treatment.genetic-makeup

✗ Diet, nutritional status, stress and activity levels cannot be assessed accurately.

✔ The right tests can reveal problems with a person’s blood sugar and insulin, inflammation level, level of folic acid, clotting factors, hormones, and other bodily systems that affect your risk of cardiovascular disease.

What do we mean by inflammation and how do we reduce it?

We test for inflammation  here Cardio C-reactive protein. This is a marker of inflammation in the body that is essential to understand in the context of overall risk. Your C-reactive protein level should be less than 1.

Inflammation can arise from poor diet (too much sugar and trans and saturated fats), a sedentary lifestyle, stress, autoimmune disease, food allergies, food intolerance, hidden infections such as gum disease, and even toxins such as mercury. All of these causal factors need to be considered anytime there is inflammation. We conduct clinical consultation and examinations to evaluate these in order to target your treatment effectively.
Safe, Clinical, Practical, Effective 

✗  Cholesterol levels are the best indicator to predict Coronary Heart Disease

✔A major study done at Harvard found that people with high levels of a marker called C-reactive protein (CRP) had higher risks of heart disease than people with high cholesterol. Normal cholesterol levels were NOT protective to those with high CRP. The risks were greatest for those with high levels of both CRP and cholesterol. (ii)

✔ Metabolic Syndrome or Insulin Resistance can be tested and treated to manage pre-diabetes (typically in middle age and in PCOS patients) before full blown DM2 takes over. This can prevent or slowly reverse reliance on blood-sugar regulating medication, commonly Metformin 

✔ The side effects of statins have been called to question recently in a research study by the Cleveland Clinic. Problems including muscle pain and weakness have been called to question in this recent study. Statin intolerance is real. (iii)

Elevated levels of a substance called homocysteine (which is related to your body’s levels of folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12) appears to correlate to cardiovascular illness. We measure Homocysteine. Your homocysteine measures your folate status and should be between 6 and 8. Where problematic levels occur, they can be easily addressed by adequate folic acid intake, along with vitamins B6 and B12.

(i) Bray, G.A., Nielsen, S.J., and B.M. Popkin. 2004. Consumption of high-fructose corn syrup in beverages may play a role in the epidemic of obesity. Am J Clin Nutr. 79(4):537-43. Review.

(ii) Ridker PM, Danielson E, Fonseca FA, Genest J, Gotto AM Jr, Kastelein JJ, Koenig W, Libby P, Lorenzatti AJ, MacFadyen JG, Nordestgaard BG, Shepherd J, Willerson JT, Glynn RJ; JUPITER Study Group. Rosuvastatin to prevent vascular events in men and women with elevated C-reactive protein. N Engl J Med. 2008 Nov 20;359(21):2195-207.

(iii) Steven E. Nissen, MD et al Efficacy and Tolerability of Evolocumab vs Ezetimibe in Patients With Muscle-Related Statin Intolerance. JAMA. Published online April 03, 2016. doi:10.1001/jama.2016.3608

Cholesterol and Heart Attack Risk

High Cholesterol

Cholesterol is bad; lowering cholesterol is good for our health. So, we’re led to believe. Low and high cholesterol levels are perceived to reflect our diet or genes, to one extent or another. Chances are we know at least one person on cholesterol lowering drugs  e.g. lipitor or atorvastatin.

Fast Fact: 75% OF PEOPLE who have a HEART ATTACK have NORMAL CHOLESTEROL     [tweetthis hidden_hashtags=”#heartdisease”]75% of people who have a heart attack have normal #cholesterol [/tweetthis]

Liposcan HDL & LDL Subfractions is a new procedure that determines actual heart attack risk by means of differentiated analysis of HDL and LDL subfractions.

Cholesterol Levels

The clinical value of the Liposcan Test lies in the readings it gives you.
Liposcan is a unique fat metabolism test. It identifies and differentiates all cholesterol particles quantitatively by their size. This is the first test of its time.

Liposcan tells us for the first time:

  • Small, dense LDL – are they high? If you lower bad cholesterol (LDL) but have a low HDL (good cholesterol) there is no benefit in your taking statins. (i)
  • Differentiations between IDL and LDL and the large, less artherogenic LDL and VLDL
  • Subfractions of LDL1 LDL2 LDL3 LDL4 LDL5 LDL6 LDL7
  • These are non-pathogenic/pathogenic – by size, the small particles  LDL3-7 carry a significant heart attack risk potential. This is due to their higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids meaning  they can be oxidised easier, which further increases their aggressiveness.
  • The protective HDL as LDL/HDL quotient i.e. indicates actual protective effect of the HDL

If high quantities of atherogenic LDL particles have actually been found, there will be the possibility to identify the cause of these findings. Nearly half of patients without heart attack have high cholesterol levels. Which type of cholesterol is elevated and which size the distribution particles have give us parameters for risk assessment and will tell us what is the best therapy for you.

High

High Cholesterol

Cure For Cholesterol

Our functional approach to treatment is your Naturopathic Portfolio. This is  personalised nutrition. Susannah takes the effect of lipid lowering drugs or statins. She uses your lifestyle as the canvas for change. Your routines and your habits are reformed. Your work other life demands will not change. Life is not a luxury spa. Our modern environment needs to work for us. This does not happen overnight. Our time the food you eat and the choices you make become easier. It is encouraging that you feel and see results from the start.

Low Cholesterol

Get the right treatment. Prevent disease. Prevent this disease from being passed on to future generations. Do you think you have true High Cholesterol levels that predispose you to myocardial disease? First, understand the physiological process that links high cholesterol to a heart attack.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced by the liver that is used to help perform thousands of bodily functions. The body uses it to help build your cell membranes, the covering of your nerve sheaths, and much of your brain. It is a key building block for our hormone production. Without cholesterol we are not be able to maintain adequate levels of testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone and cortisol.

People with the lowest cholesterol as they age are in fact at highest risk of death. Under certain circumstances, high cholesterol or higher cholesterol can actually help increase life span.

Think there is 36% reduction in risk of having a heart attack using lipid lowering drugs or statins ..? Think again. The touted “36% reduction” actually means a reduction of the number of people getting heart attacks or death from 3% to 2% (or about 30-40%)
If you are a healthy woman with high cholesterol, there is no proof that taking statins reduces your risk of heart attack or death.(ii) If you lower bad cholesterol (LDL) but don’t reduce inflammation (marked by a test called C-reactive protein), there is no benefit to statins. (iii) Keep reading…

Heart disease is not only about cholesterol. It is important to look at many factors that contribute to your overall risk. And it seems that insulin and blood sugar imbalances, and inflammation are proving to be more of a risk that cholesterol.                         At Susannah Makram Clinics our CardioMetabolic Profile Panel provides an assessment of: Disease risk for diabetes, cardiovascular disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease), metabolic syndrome.

Low Cholesterol Diet

The Right Test = The Right Treatment.

High Cholesterol

High Cholesterol

Total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Your total cholesterol should be under 200. Your triglycerides should be under 100. Your HDL should be over 60. Your LDL should be ideally under 80. Your ratio of total cholesterol to HDL should be less than 3.0. Your ratio of triglycerides to HDL should be no greater than 4, which can indicate insulin resistance if elevated.

Cardiometabolic Combination Panel – Blood Sugar 

Haemoglobin (Hb)A1c – DBS.  measures whether target levels of blood sugar control have been achieved and your average blood sugar level over 6-12 week period. Anything over 5.5 is high. Glycated haemoglobin indicates poorly controlled blood sugar.

Glucose Insulin Tolerance Test. Testing your blood sugar levels are not the same thing. Most clinics just check blood sugar and not insulin, which is the first thing to go up. Measurements of fasting and 1 and 2 hour levels of glucose AND insulin helps identify pre-diabetes and excessively high levels of insulin and even diabetes. By the time your blood sugar levels go up, you have missed the boat which is why we measure:

Fasting Insulin – DBS. At Susannah Makram clinics this is an assessment of insulin resistance, diabetes and heart disease risk (via a measure of insulin resistance).

Cardio C-reactive protein. This is a marker of inflammation in the body that is essential to understand in the context of overall risk. Your C-reactive protein level should be less than 1.
Inflammation is a key contributor to heart disease. A major study done at Harvard found that people with high levels of a marker called C-reactive protein (CRP) had higher risks of heart disease than people with high cholesterol. Normal cholesterol levels were NOT protective to those with high CRP. The risks were greatest for those with high levels of both CRP and cholesterol.

Homocysteine. Your homocysteine measures your folate status and should be between 6 and 8.

(i)Barter P, Gotto AM, LaRosa JC, Maroni J, Szarek M, Grundy SM, Kastelein JJ, Bittner V, Fruchart JC; Treating to New Targets Investigators. HDL cholesterol, very low levels of LDL cholesterol, and cardiovascular events. N Engl J Med. 2007 Sep 27;357(13):1301-10.

(ii) Abramson J, Wright JM. Are lipid-lowering guidelines evidence-based? Lancet. 2007 Jan 20;369(9557):168-9

(iii) Ridker PM, Danielson E, Fonseca FA, Genest J, Gotto AM Jr, Kastelein JJ, Koenig W, Libby P, Lorenzatti AJ, MacFadyen JG, Nordestgaard BG, Shepherd J, Willerson JT, Glynn RJ; JUPITER Study Group. Rosuvastatin to prevent vascular events in men and women with elevated C-reactive protein. N Engl J Med. 2008 Nov 20;359(21):2195-207.

Hormone reset diet

Hormone Imbalance Hormone reset diet

Hormone reset diet for hormone imbalance alleviates the symptoms associated with hormone imbalance. For men and women, as we age, the decline in certain hormone secretion affects our quality of life. How can we manage this? With a simple hormone reset diet.

FAQs at Susannah Makram clinics — do hormones cause acne? Adult acne and hormone balance are part of the adult skincare naturopathic screening.
Typically, acne or excessively oily skin and changes in hair distribution: the first signs people relate to a hormone imbalance. Here are several other warning signs.

Hormonal imbalance in men and women refers to either a deficit or an excess in levels of certain hormones in the body. The hormone reset diet reflects the need in modern times for us to address this. It’s a guide. Types of hormonal imbalances include progesterone deficiency, oestrogen dominance, testosterone deficiency, excessive oestrogen and thyroxine deficiency or hypothyroidism. DHEA, cortisol, aldosterone and Melatonin. Other hormones secreted by glands can be overproduced or underproduced. These hormones lead to hormone imbalance symptoms.

Hormonal imbalance symptoms

We have all heard of  hormone imbalance symptoms like:

1. Weight gain

2. Insomnia 

3. Hormonal Acne

Chronic insomnia is one of the most debilitating symptoms of perimenopause for a lot of women. In addition to an imbalance of the sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone during perimenopause, a lot of women suffer with high levels of another hormone. High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can contribute significantly to chronic insomnia. Chronic Insomnia is one of the hormone imbalance symptoms that is overlooked typically before clients arrive at Susannah Makram Clinics.

Hormone Imbalance

Hormone Imbalance

Released by the adrenal glands during the “fight or flight” response, cortisol, is a powerful chemical. Cortisol, along with adrenaline, is highly effective in preserving and protecting the body during times of stress.

High levels of cortisol interfere with restorative REM sleep and interrupt sleep rhythms. This is why so many women in perimenopause report that they are able to fall asleep, but they cannot stay asleep.
High cortisol levels can also cause racing, panicky thoughts, heart palpitations, and even panic attacks.  Even if you are suffering from exhaustion and burnout, with high levels of cortisol in your body, you will not be able to sleep. Women often describe this feeling as “tired but wired.”

3. Hot flashes, night sweats, hormonal migraines, PMS, high blood pressure, dizziness, excessive facial hair, are all hormone imbalance symptoms.

Restoring adrenal function is a pre-requisite for hormonal balance. The adrenals are involved in manufacturing numerous hormones. The adrenal gland makes hormones involved in the following:
Blood sugar regulation
The regulation of the body’s minerals
Producing and maintaining the body’s energy levels in conjunction with the thyroid
Producing stress-monitoring hormone

Most hormonal imbalance symptoms are experienced because of underlying health issues.  

 

Maintaining healthy adrenals, thyroid, colon etc is fundamental to hormonal well being at any age with a hormone reset diet.

Which hormone causes acne?

Hormone reset diet

 

Hormone reset diet

Nutrition to maintain healthy adrenal gland function begins by unravelling your hormonal history. One this is decoded we can see if you have been tested for the right things that can be reversed by diet alone. Your personalised Naturopathic Portfolio for balancing Hormones Naturally is tweaked throughout the FOUR PHASES.

As indicated.
Without veering away from your day-to-day current lifestyle.

When it come to hormone imbalance symptoms, treating the cause or causes in the 4 Phases is necessary. This is so we  carefully select nutritional supplements if need be. From PHASE ONE to PHASE FOUR personalised nutrition targets primary and secondary reasons for experiencing hormone imbalance symptoms. Nutritional supplements may or may not support your personalised nutrition Naturopathic portfolio treatment. Extra care is taken in instances when considering hormone imbalance symptoms. This is because as they have special importance to the adrenals, are bioavailable and it is not possible for your individual body’s dietary uptake alone to fully support adrenal gland function. the is hy we place emphasis on this careful selection for consistent and successful hormonal balancing.

Our hormones have a complicated relationship with our Central Nervous System as well as our Cardiovascular Systems.

4. Burning Tongue Syndrome

You probably will not have any physical signs of a burn in your mouth, but your mouth might feel dry, sticky or itchy and you might even have a metallic taste in your mouth.  Interestingly, for some women this gets worse throughout the day and feels better at night.

5. Formication – Skin Crawling Sensation

This is the sensation of having the feeling of small insects crawling on or under your skin that results in itchiness and scratching that can lead to skin damage.

6. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome +/- sudden muscle weakness – carpal tunnel syndrome – what’s causing it?

7. Many factors contribute to headaches for both men and women, including family history and age. Women, however, often notice a relationship between headaches and hormonal changes. The drop in oestrogen just before your period may contribute to headaches. Many women with migraines report headaches before or during menstruation.

8. Electric Shock Sensation

9. Frozen Shoulder – adhesive capsulitis – Like many musculoskeletal or jot problems/pain adhesive capsulitis can also have a hormonal cause

iStock_000001550919_Small9. Tingling Extremities – Paraesthesia – In certain cases, numbness and tingling sensations can be explained by natural hormonal changes and fluctuations. This is because oestrogen has a complex and widespread effect on the nervous system. Thus, when oestrogen levels vacillate it can sometimes produce symptoms such as, tingling extremities.

Numbness and tingling in the feet, hands, legs, and arms can be an indicator of more serious problems like diabetes, vitamin, and calcium deficiency, potassium depletion, or blood circulation problems so you should be be able to have causes or the cause of your discomfort, health concern or complaint correctly identified at your consultation at Susannah Makram Clinics in order that you receive the right treatment.

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