Female infertility is increasing at an astounding rate in Australia. Now a series of new studies suggest the cause for both is the humble fructose molecule found in every teaspoon of sugar added to your food.

PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the primary cause of female infertility in Australia today.  As many as one in five Australian women of reproductive age now have PCOS, however exact data on the numbers affected are hard to come by because up to 70 % of PCOS cases have not been medically diagnosed. The reason that doctors suspect that the syndrome goes largely undiagnosed is that pretty much the only time it’s tested for is when a woman seeks fertility treatment. 

The symptoms of PCOS usually include acne, the appearance of male patterns of hair growth (and male baldness) and irregular or absent periods.  But above all, its major impact is on fertility.

And this is why: 

A recent Swedish study concluded that women with PCOS were 9 times as likely to need access to IVF as women without the syndrome. Now, IVF is not a path women choose lightly.  It’s an experience that comes bundled with significant psychological and emotional costs. And at a monetary cost of approximately $32,000 per birth it’s an increasingly expensive burden on mothers, families and the public health system as well.  The number of IVF treatments grew by 50% between 2004 and 2009 and is currently increasing by about 14% every year.

As you might expect from a glance at the symptoms, PCOS is a result of there being too much testosterone (the male sex hormone) in circulation.  Testosterone is not an exclusively male hormone.  Women have it too, but generally circulating at about 10 percent of the male level.

Doctors have long known that women with PCOS not only have higher circulating testosterone, but they also have extremely low levels of very important protein, the charmingly named Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). 

One of SHBG’s jobs is to keep testosterone out of circulation.  By binding to testosterone, SHBG controls the amount of free (and therefore active) testosterone in our bloodstream.  Having low levels of SHBG seems to result in there being too much free testosterone in women.

It’s also well established that people who are obese or who have insulin resistance or Type II Diabetes have extremely low levels of SHBG.  In fact low SHBG is such a reliable indicator of insulin resistance that SHBG testing is being proposed as a good early indicator of the development of Type II Diabetes.

Hormones are complex things (and that’s an understatement) and sex hormones are at the top of the ladder in terms of complexity.  Because they are constantly produced and their actions depend on the presence or absence of other sex hormones and what sex you are, it’s very hard to tease out the cause and the effect. 

For a long time researchers have believed that insulin resistance is the cause of the low levels of SHBG.  That would mean that PCOS is a consequence of being insulin resistant but a January 2012 study has shown that is not the case.  It turns out that insulin levels do not affect the level of SHBG, but the presence of fat around the liver affects both the insulin level and the SHBG level.

One really sure way to create a fatty liver is to consume large amounts of fructose.  Because fructose is (directly and immediately) converted to fat (by our liver) it’s the single most efficient way to get the job done.

The best way to prove that theory is of course to try feeding a healthy person high quantities of fructose and see if they develop fatty liver, insulin resistance and PCOS.  Because volunteers for that kind of fun might be hard to come by, researchers have had to resort to rats as the model.

In 2007 a group of Canadian researchers fed rats glucose and fructose to see what happened.  They found both sugars suppressed SHBG production but fructose was twice as effective (glucose 40%, fructose 80% suppression) and fructose was especially quick, causing its damage after just three days.  They found the SHBG effect was caused by the accumulation of the fats created as a result of processing the fructose.

As a result of these studies, we can confidently say that fructose directly increases the amount of circulating testosterone in women.  More testosterone directly impairs a woman’s ability to conceive.  Therefore, the single most effective way for a woman to increase her chances of having a baby is for her to stop eating fructose. 

When fructose is removed, hormone levels return to normal, PCOS symptoms may disappear and fertility is restored.  It really can be that simple.  There is no reason (other than financial) that the first words out of a fertility doctor’s mouth shouldn’t be “Stop eating sugar.”

A brand of herbal products we use a lot of in the clinic is MediHerb. For a company who has gone on to become Australia’s largest purchaser and manufacturer of herbal medicines for the professional market, one would not think that they started out with humble beginnings in a converted goat’s shed. 

Kerry Bone, the founder of MediHerb says that in the late 1980′s legislation changed and “we were inspected by the TGA (Therapeutic Goods of Administration) and were expected to manufacture our herbal products to the same standards as drugs companies. It placed huge demands on us, but it was an opportunity as well. Some of our competitors didn’t make it because of the pressure, so once the legislation came through, our industry started to grow and we reaped the benefits.”

MediHerb has strict standards for herb selection, and currently works with growers and producers all over the world. Many of the herbs are still wild harvested traditionally from countries like China and Eastern Europe. 

Kerry says, “Our herbs must contain a certain level of a compound, or a plant chemical, that seems to be a marker of quality. If that standard has been met then we buy that herb, but if it hasn’t, then we don’t.“

MediHerb also has a strict policy with endangered species. “We work with intermediaries when it comes to threatened species, so if an area is being cleared for a new dam or road, for example, our intermediary will get the rights to go in and wild harvest the herbs in that area. There is no additional impact on the environment because that area was going to be cleared anyway.” 

MediHerb is heavily involved in herbal research. For example, for the past decade, MediHerb has been looking closely at Echinacea, specifically what makes the herb work and which part of the plant works best. “We’ve determined that the alkylamides in Echinacea appear to be what make it work by interacting with certain immune receptors and they are the richest in the root, so all our work focuses on the root of Echinacea, whereas a lot of retail products are based around the aerial parts or leaves.  In addition, there’s a myth that you only take Echinacea when you’re sick, but our research has shown the opposite – that if you take the root on a regular basis, it will prevent you from catching those winter infections.“ 

From little things, big things grow and we are very grateful to have such high-quality products available to boost our health and well being and yours. 

Even researchers have found that chimpanzees are attracted to plants that contain natural antibiotics and are known to dose themselves with herbs in times of sickness.

There isn’t a culture on earth that doesn’t include the use of herbs as medicines in its historical record, so it is doubtful that mankind could have survived on earth without herbs.

Generally, people are encouraged to use herbs as a supplement to help them stay well, rather than just when they become ill. An herb generally works on the body in one of three ways: it can purge the body of impurities, it can build up the immune system, or it can strengthen the constitution of an organ so it will heal itself. Individual herbs can accomplish one or more of these functions, and specific herbs are used for specific ailments although there is often more than one herb which can aid in the treating of an ailment.

Here are some of the most popular, potent and readily available herbs being used all over the world:

Good For Nausea and Flatulence: Anise

Infused as a tea, anise seeds relieve nausea, aid digestion and stops flatulence. It is also a natural antacid. To make this wonder tea, add seven teaspoons of aniseed to a quart of water, simmer down to one and a half pints, strain and sweeten with honey.

Good For Digestion: Basil 

Basil aids digestion, relieves gas, and reduces nausea, stomach cramps and migraines. Its antibacterial effect works against yeast infections of the mouth and throat. It acts as a tonic for the nerves and soothes tired muscles.

Good For Sleep: Chamomile

The fresh or dried flowers prepared as tea is an effective night cap to aid sleep. Its relaxing effect works on headaches and calms a nervous stomach. As a mouthwash, it relieves toothache. Chamomile tea bags dipped in ice water soothe eyes when placed on closed eyelids for several minutes. Chamomile tea is commonly served after meals to aid in digestion.

Good For Immunity: Echinacea 

This is a popular antibiotic in the herb world. Its roots are used to treat fevers, viral infections, insect bites and to relieve allergies. It is found to stimulate the body’s defenses, hence, is used in AIDS research.

Good For Mood and Memory: Sage

Healthy young volunteers who were given capsules with high doses of sage essential oil in a study at Northumbria University said their mood was consistently enhanced.

In older people, Australian research found extract of sage improved memory and attention. The herb is thought to inhibit breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical associated with attention span and sharp memory.

Good For the Blood: Garlic 

Garlic is considered the greatest of all herbal antibiotics. Tests confirmed its effectiveness in treating yeast infection, staphylococcus, salmonella poisoning, and colds. It purifies the blood and reduces high blood pressure, cholesterol and clotting.

Good For Thrush: Oregano

This contains the powerful antifungal agents thymol and carvacrol. A study at Georgetown University Medical Centre in Washington showed that carvacrol inhibited the growth of the fungus Candida albicans (which causes thrush) better than a common antifungal medication

Good For The Brain: Ginkgo biloba

A mainstay of traditional Chinese medicine for more than 5,000 years, ginkgo biloba improves blood and oxygen supply to the brain and central nervous system. The extract from the yellow autumn leaves is said to promote brain efficiency and mental alertness, vitality and peripheral circulation.

Good For Anemia: Rosemary 

Rosemary leaves are high in iron — a lack of this mineral can cause fatigue and anaemia. The herb also contains carnosic, which can shield the brain from damaging free radicals. This lowers the risk of strokes and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s, says a study in the Journal Of Neurochemistry.

Good For High Blood Pressure: Basil

A study at Xinjiang Medical University found an extract of the herb reduced blood pressure in a similar way to medication. It’s thought it affects levels of endothelins, proteins which constrict blood vessels.

Good For Diabetes: Fenugreek

A daily extract of its seeds improves diabetics’ blood sugar control and decreases insulin resistance, say researchers at the Jaipur Diabetes and Research Centre in India.

It may also increase inadequate breast milk supply, nursing mothers have reported. But as the spice is also a traditional remedy to induce childbirth, the seeds shouldn’t be taken during pregnancy.

Good For Stomach Ulcers: Cardamon

If you’ve had a stomach ulcer, or are prone to them, try adding cardamom to spicy dishes or rice pudding. Indian researchers found its oil extracts protected the stomach lining and helped guard against ulcers induced by alcohol and aspirin. The active ingredient is thought to be nootkatone, obtained from ground pods

Good For Energy: Ginseng 

Ginseng strengthens the body by increasing the efficiency of the endocrine, circulatory and digestive systems and body metabolism. It reduces physical, mental and emotional stress by increasing oxygen-carrying red blood cells and immune-strengthening white blood cells, thereby eliminating toxins. Tests show ginseng inhibits cancer cells and increases alertness, reflex actions and stamina. This potent herb should not be taken continuously.

Of course, we strongly recommend you consult with one of our trained health professionals in all matters relating to your physical and mental health so the correct diagnosis and care can be given to your specific condition. The above information should not replace the services of trained professionals. Call us today to find out how herbs can help your health. 

The immune system’s prime function is to protect the body against infection and the development of cancer.  Support and enhancement of the immune system is perhaps the most important step in achieving resistance to disease and reducing susceptibility to colds, flus and chronic disease.  However, when the immune system becomes compromised with exposure to viral/bacterial infections, certain chemicals, drugs and mechanical injury, it can cause the immune system to attack itself in susceptible humans.  When the immune system shifts from normal immune function to attacking itself, autoimmune diseases can develop.  Commonly known autoimmune diseases are as follows:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Chron’s disease
• Coeliac disease
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Grave’s disease (hyperthyroidism)
• Type I diabetes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Ulcerative colitis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Autoimmune diseases are poorly understood but are generally agreed to be multi-functional, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, hormonal and immune factors.   Once genetically susceptible individuals have been identified, disease may be prevented, delayed or mitigated by avoiding or minimizing exposure to known triggers.  In a large Danish cohort study involving 37,338 twins, genetic factors were found to be less important than environmental factors (Sarris & Wardle 2010 p538).  The following environmental risk factors known to trigger autoimmunity are as follows:

• Ageing – viruses have been shown in animal models to be potent triggers of autoimmunity and ageing of the immune system is associated with a decline of its ability to recognise itself from non-self
• Exposure to chemicals: smoking is linked to rheumatoid arthritis as is mercury from dental amalgam may increase the production of auto antibodies in mercury-sensitive patients with autoimmune thyroiditis
• Diet and lifestyle: exposure to cows milk too young has the potential to trigger Type I diabetes whilst exposure to grains and legumes are linked to rheumatoid arthritis
• Hormones: SLE, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis are higher in women potentially because oestrogen acts to suppress inflammation however, stimulating autoimmune production
• Stress: worsens symptoms in autoimmune diseases and has the potential to trigger autoimmunity due to its systemic endocrine effect on the body.  Chronic stress results in a chronically imbalanced and under-functioning immune system.

A naturopathic approach to autoimmune conditions aims to correct underlying imbalances by reducing chronic inflammation.  This is achieved by creating a diet that is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids.  Herbal remedies such as Tumeric, Cats Claw and Boswellia all have the potential to support the immune system and decrease inflammation.   Lifestyle factors must also be explored by accessing individual’s stress levels.  Overall, the naturopathic approach has the potential to decrease the onset of autoimmune diseases, support the immune system itself, and dampen flare ups of autoimmune diseases by taking into consideration the whole individual and not just the disease state.

Chinese medicine has understood the importance of the “immune system” for thousands of years. But what really is an immune system from an acupuncture understanding?

The energy that protects our body from getting sick is call the Wei Qi. It is the energy that sits on the top of our skin and protects us from “evil pathogens”, like wind and cold. Our Wei Qi needs to be stronger than the “evil pathogen” so they can’t enter our body and make us ill!  Sound a little crazy? A lot of you might answer yes! But have you ever woken from a night sleeping under a fan or with the air conditioner on with a sniffle or sore throat? The terms used in classical acupuncture text may not have the same relevance today but these very primitive ways of looking at the immune are often still practically very relevant.  

It is said that the Lungs govern the Wei Qi and their function is to push this protective energy to the surface of our skin. The Lung are also said to open to the nose and the throat, which makes sense when you think how we breathe. Have you noticed that when we get sick, first you get a sniffley nose and possibly a sore throat, “then it goes to your chest”, the lungs! Chinese medicine states that if the Lungs are strong then so is the “immune” or our ability to protect ourselves from pathogens. As the Lungs push energy and moisture to the skin, they nourish and strengthen our largest single organ (the skin). We often see this relationship highlighted with asthma and eczema often occurring together.

But it goes further than that. As most of us know, there is Yin and Yang. The Lungs are considered Yin and their Yang counterpart is the Large Intestine. With our modern understand of the immune system, we now know that 70-80% of it is made in the gut. This relationship has been known about since the development of acupuncture. The Intestines support the Lungs and visa versa.  

When strengthening the body’s immune system with acupuncture, it isn’t as simplistic as just strengthening the Lungs or Large Intestine. It is about correcting your body’s individual imbalance so it can support and strengthen the Lungs and Large Intestine. This said, there are specific ways we can help support the immune when it is acutely run down (i.e. you have a cold.). These points can often relate to (you guessed it) the Lung and Large intestine. The Large Intestine channel ends at the nose and can often be used for nasal / sinus related issues.  Techniques such as moxibustion can help increase white blood cell count which assists immunity.

Our immune system is one of the most complex systems we know and the intricacies of how it keeps us alive cannot be underestimated. Although refining the techniques of acupuncture can take a life time, the principles are simple: Support the body so it can support itself. By doing this, our primitive understanding of the body can harness the efficiency of our most complex system. 

Wellness is a daily practice so I’ve included some tips to help you stay as well as possible and to support your immune system.

Some tips for staying well this winter:

• Cover your neck from cold winds (this area is considered most susceptible to “evil pathogens”)
• Keep your sinuses clean, this can be done with a Netti pot and warm salt water.
• Support your digestion: Eat nutritious, warming food. 
• Take immune boosting herbs and supplements

Sharpen Their Mental Focus

Herbs that support brain function include Brahmi, Ginkgo and Gotu Kola. These herbs have been shown to improve memory and learning in children by improving their focus and resilience under pressure. These herbs may be particularly useful if your children have poor concentration. 

Eating adequate protein is another very important factor in creating stable moods and higher mental focus. Adequate protein keeps blood sugar levels balanced, preventing huge spikes in energy and the crashes in mood which soon follow. We have great low-sugar kid-friendly protein bars available at the clinic which are great snack ideas for kids’ lunch boxes.

Stress and Anxiety in Your Child

There can be many sources of stress and anxiety in a child’s life, school being the most obvious.  Anxiety can interfere with children’s confidence, attention and behaviour and is often associated with ADHD in children. The herb Passion flower can help to calm children whilst improving focus and behaviour. German chamomile is another great herb for children who might be anxious or stressed as it is gentle and calming.  Another herb called Zizyphus is also useful for childhood anxiety and stress. The combination of these three herbs can help children get off to sleep as well calming them down if they are experiencing day time anxiety. Other nutrients such as magnesium and calcium also play a role in helping kids if they are stressed. These herbs and minerals are best given in a powdered form so you adjust the dose to suit your child’s needs.  Talk to us about whether this combination is suitable for your child.

Feed Their Brains Fish

Many of you may have heard of the benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids. It is mainly the DHA component of omega-3 fatty acids that is responsible for assisting with normal brain and visual function. In fact the brain and retina (in the eye) contain the highest content of DHA of any tissues. DHA has been shown in a number of experiments to enhance learning and memory.

For children and teenagers who have learning difficulties or students under high pressure, DHA from purified fish oil is an excellent choice. Most children do not eat enough oily fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines, so if you are looking for an easy way to get DHA into your children then come into the clinic where we can discuss some of the great tasting options available.

Simple recommendations to maximise your child’s learning experience and mental health:

• Make sure your children eat a nutritious breakfast – there are many cereals out there that contain high levels of sugar, which can affect their concentration. Choose a whole-grain, healthy cereal for their breakfast, or get them into porridge.  Eggs are also a great way to start the day, as the protein can help to maintain healthy blood sugar levels throughout the morning.

• Get your children off to bed at a reasonable time. Children need more sleep than adults and lack of sleep can affect their learning and behaviour.

• Get into a regular routine and stick to it; this will make the start and end of the day less stressful for both you and your children.

• Encourage your kids to talk about their day, this helps them develop their communication skills and can give you valuable insight into how they are going. If you sense any problems, discuss it with their teacher.

Want the best for your children?

These are just some of the great natural options available from our clinic for nourishing the mental health of your children and helping them get through school in tact. We have many other natural health solutions specifically tailored to meet the needs of your kids so if you want the best for your children’s health, come and discuss available options with us today.

Why Do We Get Colds & Flu’s?

If you regularly catch colds and flu’s, you may have an imbalance in your immune system which may make you more susceptible to infections. A poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, stress, adrenal fatigue and/or a lack of exercise can all lead to imbalances in your immune system. A strong immune system can help to protect you from potentially harmful invaders, such as viruses and bacteria, by recognising and responding to them as a threat. 

In Chinese Medicine, a weak immune system can often be a sign of lung deficiency. The Lungs are seen as a guard protecting external pathogens from entering your body. If this organ system is weak from hereditary factors, smoking, overworking, or chronic emotional issues, the Lungs’ ability to fight off sickness is compromised and you can have frequent colds or flu’s, or the type of sickness which lingers for weeks and never really goes away; the body tries to fight the virus but there is not enough strength behind it. 

Viruses Can Cause Colds and Flu’s

Contrary to popular belief, viruses cause colds and flu’s – not bacteria. Viruses are minute infectious agents which invade and hijack your cells. The immune system recognises viruses as invaders and attempts to destroy them before they can invade your cells. If your immune system is weak, however, it may not have the ability to destroy viruses and viral infections can occur. 

What Can You Do?

If your immune system is struggling to defend you, don’t despair – natural medicines can help! There are many herbs and nutrients which help manage acute symptoms of colds and flu’s such as andrographis, echinacae and vitamin C. Also, there are supplements available which boost underlying deficiencies and strengthen your immune system so you don’t get sick as much. Acupuncture also helps to boost the immune. 

The best way to understand your frequent sickness is to get to the bottom of why it is that you are sick all the time. Do you have heavy metal toxicity? Are you deficient in certain nutrients? Do you have a food intolerance to something you are consuming on a daily basis? We have a wide range of testing options which can rule out potential causes of your frequent colds and flu’s, and we have treatment strategies to overcome the problem.

Diet & Lifestyle Suggestions

• Eat a well balanced diet including fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, fish, eggs, legumes and lean red meat.
• Reduce your intake of mucous forming foods like dairy
• Avoid foods low in good quality nutrients like sugar, white flour products and alcohol; they suppress the nervous system
• Drink at least 2 litres of filtered water every day
• Exercise regularly
• Ensure you are getting enough sleep

Our immune system is highly dependent on some specific nutrients. The main ones are zinc and vitamin C. And guess what? They are also what your adrenal glands need to help you recover from and cope with stress.  So, if your stress levels are high and your adrenals have used up most of your zinc and vitamin C supplies, you may likely have a lowered immune system.  

Zinc

Many people consider zinc to be the number one mineral. Unfortunately, we often see, and research shows, that many peoples’ zinc level are extremely low. This results in a very poor immune system with increased risk to infections and allergies. Low zinc is also associated with poor growth, skin disorders, low fertility, and also low mood. Unlike other minerals, there is a very simple test for your zinc status. One of the first indications of low zinc function is a loss of taste and smell. At Paddington Clinic, we use a taste test to determine zinc level, which is remarkably effective. This is a very quick and easy test that we recommend all people have done on a regular basis.

Restoring low zinc level however is not always a simple process. We test many people who take a zinc supplement and find that they are low to very low in zinc. Switching to a more bio-avaliable, high potency liquid zinc supplement has a dramatic effect, not only on their taste test, but also on the many signs of low zinc level.

Note: Your highest source of zinc in food is: Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, oats, yoghurt : porridge every morning made from these ingedients would be a great start to boosting zinc levels.  

Vitamin C

It is a similar story with vitamin C. Anyone with a highly processed diet is guaranteed to be vitamin C deficient. Your immune cells have the highest concentration of vitamin C of any cells in your body. Most animals make their own vitamin C in large amounts, but humans lack a specific enzyme, and so we are unable to make vitamin C. This is thought to be due to an evolutionary response to a diet that was very high in fresh fruits and vegetables. To keep your immune system in top shape, we recommend a vitamin C supplement containing a blend of mineral ascorbates proven to get into your immune cells fast.

Note: Vitamin C rich foods include all dark greens like baby spinach, rocket, broccoli, asian greens and fresh herbs.  

High Quality Immune Herbs

It is an extraordinary thing that there are some herbs that have potent stimulating effects on our immune system. There are some that can reduce allergies, and some that can increase our defence against invading organisms. It is important, however, to ensure that you are getting the highest quality product and using it at the appropriate dose.

A highly researched and highly effective immune stimulating herb is Andrographis paniculata. This extraordinary herb has been shown to fight back against infections and to be effective against viruses. It is important with all viral infections is to get in early. Once a viral infection has taken hold, there is little that can be done to stop it. Having a robust immune system and having the right nutrients and herbs on hand to catch viruses early is the main defence against all those infections that we can get at any time.

Call us now for your zinc assessment and immune boost.

There is much written about the importance of mother’s health before and during pregnancy but not so much focus about the mother’s health after the baby is born. Once the joy of the new baby is experienced often the mother’s health is forgotten and as long as there is enough milk for the baby and the baby seems content then it may be presumed that Mum is okay too. However as many of you will know who have had a child, it’s not always the case. There is a huge change in your life and many new mother’s explain that they have never worked so hard in their life after a new born.

In many cultures there are traditions for looking after the mother after she’s given birth. In China they call it “doing the month” and in this period of time the mother rests and gets the best, most nutritious food to eat including warming chicken soups with herbs such as donguai and ginger. Her job is to feed the baby and if the mother doesn’t rest she puts herself at risk of a compromised immune, poor energy and milk supply to name just a few concerns. Traditionally, she should not go outside and should not bathe.

Now all this is not quite possible in Australia where most women are desperate to have a warm shower after birth and they don’t always have the support to be allowed to rest and do nothing except feed the baby. However, it is still an important time to have as much rest as possible and to have good supplements as well as herbs. All other mammals after child birth eat the after birth which is full of nutrition. It is packed full of vitamins and minerals as well as protein. Now although it’s not part of our culture to eat this, we can still make sure Mum gets all the nutrition she needs. This includes a good quality multi vitamin and mineral and zinc levels, in particular, should be checked. Zinc deficiency has been linked with postpartum depression and so much of that good zinc supply is thrown out with the placenta. Fish oils are still important and possibly extra calcium and magnesium. There are fantastic herbs too that can help build what is known in Chinese medicine as blood and Qi. If they are nourished then the health of the mother will flourish.

Building good blood in the body will also help with the milk supply so both Mum and baby can be more content. Chicken soup can be made to help nourish the Mum and it’s recommended to use organic chickens as the whole chicken will be cooked for a few hours in water until the flesh falls off the bone. Lots of sliced ginger can be added to this mix to warm the digestion and help restore the health of the mother. Vegetables can also be added and it is a very nutritious soup to have for 2 weeks after the birth.

We always recommend a check up with one of the practitioners after the birth to correct any deficiencies occurring during the birth such as blood loss. If a cesarean was needed this also leads to its own problems as the mother will have a tendency to be even more deficient and it is important the scar heals well with no infection. Acupuncture can do wonders to help a good healing of the scar and herbs and supplements will aid a quick recovery.

It’s not just the mother who needs support after the birth but the partner too. Often they become sleep deprived, overwhelmed, unsure of their role and it is important their health is looked after too. This, again, means a good diet (the chicken soup is good for them too!!), rest when they can and taking good quality supplements to support their health. I often advise couples to accept as much help as they can get with cooking, cleaning, etc and if there is no one around then at least pay for someone to clean the house.

It’s not just after the birth that we need to focus on in maintaining parents’ health; it may be an on going concern. Many a time a mother will bring her baby or young child to the clinic for health concerns and it is obvious all is not well with the Mum. She looks tired and stressed and often is needing treatment herself. Children are very sensitive beings and they know when all is not well with Mum even though she may try and put on a brave face. For this reason it is essential that Mum does put herself first at times. This means that she is doing the most she can for her nutrition, and that she is taking regular time out for herself whether to have a massage or watch a movie or go for a swim.