Children need to be taken care of at all times but particularly during the winter. Childrens' conditions such as asthma, ear infections and bronchial problems can all be exacerbated when there is a virus present. Unfortunately many of these conditions are treated with antibiotics, which may be effective in some situations, but repeated use can upset the digestive system and actually lower immunity in the longer term.

Children have special health requirements and are not just smaller versions of adults. Adult supplements are not always suitable for children and there are herbs that are more specific for children when they are sick. At our clinic we dispense some products that are specifically designed for children, both for their physiology, and also to help with the taste.

We also use a very gentle form of acupuncture that is pain free for babies or even very grown up people! To keep your whole family healthy this winter talk to your practitioner about how they can assist you

If you are interested in our past newsletters they are all on our web site at www.paddingtonclinic.com.au

• reduced depression, anxiety and emotional stress;
• weight maintenance or loss; and
• Improvement in circulation, assisting in the prevention of heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes.

Manufactured glutamic acid found in many foods is unnatural and long term ingestion may be harmful. All foods containing MSG, unless naturally occurring, are best avoided. Unfortunately MSG and related substances are not always labeled. Calcium Caseinate, Sodium Caseinate, textured protein, hydrolyzed protein and citric acid often contain MSG. Soy foods, nutritionals yeasts, malt flavourings, seasoning salts, soup stocks, frozen dinners, canned soups and various mixes labeled "flavourings", "natural flavours" or "seasonings" may also contain MSG. Hydrolized protein for example sounds safe enough. It is a chemical method of producing MSG and contains salts of others protein and may comprise as much as 20% of MSG.

Due to the hundreds of additives, preservatives, colourings and artificial flavourings it is best to avoid processed foods as much as possible. Small amounts taken at one time are usually harmless but what happens with regular over-exposure? Freezing preserves most nutrients and sun drying is another wonderful method for preserving foods. Pickling, fermenting and culturing, according to traditional methods, can even enhance the availability of nutrients. Avoid foods that are processed or dried using high temperature methods, such as most vegetable cooking oils, margarines, tinned foods and dried fruits that are not naturally sun-dried

Nikki, a 35 year old, came to the clinic when she was 41 weeks pregnant with her second child. Her water had broken 24 hours prior to her consultation at the clinic and she had been informed by her midwife that if the baby was not born within the next 24 hours she would intervene. Nikki had had a very good pregnancy and was hoping for a natural birth. She had done all the right things, such as practicing yoga and maintaining a good diet, and had a very positive outlook. She had also made regular visits to the clinic to see one of our naturopaths.

When Nikki and her husband arrived for her consultation she had just come from her midwife who told her that she had not dilated at all and she had also had no contractions.

Normally we would do consecutive acupuncture treatments over three days for this situation but we only had 24 hours. I told Nikki that I would do a treatment that morning, with a follow-up later that day, and a further treatment early the following morning.

Nikki's husband rang me about two hours later to cancel the next treatment and to let me know that Nikki was in labor and at the hospital. They rang the next day to let us know that they had had a beautiful water birth with no complications and were very happy with their baby girl. They have since brought their beautiful baby girl into the clinic to shows us and they are both very happy and healthy.

In this newsletter we will look at people with Type B blood and the foods that are most suited to them. If you are unsure of your blood type please ask your practitioner to check it for you. The test is very quick and only requires one drop of blood from your fingertip. Once you know your blood type you can start to maximise the foods that act almost like medicines in your body and minimize those which do just the opposite.

People with Type B blood are usually sturdy and alert and able to resist many of the most severe diseases common to modern life, such as heart disease and cancer. However, people with Type B blood can be prone to immune-system disorders.

The Type B diet is balance and wholesome, including a wide variety of foods, and is actually less restrictive than some of the diets for other blood types. People with Type B blood are the only ones who can enjoy the full variety of dairy foods. Deep ocean fish and some red meats are also extremely beneficial. Most nuts and seeds, chicken and wheat are to be avoided as they can interfere with insulin production and lead to weight gain. These may also irritate the immune system of people with Type B blood. The recipe below is perfect for you if you have Type B blood.