WINTER ACCORDING TO CHINESE MEDICINE

Winter represents the most Yin aspect in Chinese Medicine. Yin is the dark, cold, slow, inward energy, compared to the Yang of summer whose energy represents light, hot, quick, expansive qualities. TCM philosophy believes that diet and activity in winter should be adapted to enrich Yin and subdue Yang.

Winter in TCM is associated with the Kidneys which hold our body’s most basic and fundamental energy known as Jing. It’s believed that by harmonising yourself with the seasons you can stay healthier and prevent disease, hence winter is a great time to strengthen the Kidneys. Rest is important for revitalising Kidney Jing. It is also a good time to look inward, reflecting on yourself with meditation, journaling, reading or other inward practices such as Yoga or Tai Chi. These practices help us to connect to our inner selves, help support Kidney energy, relax the mind (Shen), calm our emotions and raise the spirit.

The body part/tissue associated with the Kidneys are the bones. It is important to pay close attention to our bone health in the cooler months making sure to tonify and strengthen them. In order to support this body tissue winter is the perfect time to consume bone broths as nutritional therapy daily, as they are warming, nourishing & cook slowly for hours. Bone broths are also powerful Jing tonics as Jing is produced by the bones. Jing is depleted by activities such as extreme and prolonged stress, lack of sufficient sleep, working long hours and excessive behaviours like too much drinking, drugs and late nights.

Other beneficial foods throughout the Winter months are squash, potatoes both white and sweet, root vegetables such as carrots, parsnip & beets, cabbage, mushrooms, apples, and pears. In winter our bodies need warming foods such as soup made with hearty vegetables and rich stocks – bone broth. Foods that specifically nourish and warm the kidneys are black in colour -black beans, kidney beans, black sesame seeds, black rice, blackberries, blueberries, black lentils and black garlic. Lamb, chicken, walnuts, chestnuts, barley, millet and dark leafy greens should also be consumed. Warming spices such as ginger, cinnamon, clove, cumin, cardamon, nutmeg, turmeric and chai spices are amazing at this time of year. A small amount of unrefined sea salt is also helpful as the taste associated with the kidneys is salt. Choose high quality salt such as Himalayan or Celtic salt which are full of minerals.

Adaptogenic Herbs strengthen the kidneys and adrenals, boost immunity, lift depression, ease anxiety and help the body adapt to stress. Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Oat Straw and Rhodiola are herbs that can be taken daily as supplements or consumed as a tea.

Goji berries are especially helpful for supporting the Kidney Jing. Eat them straight out of the packet or place a few in a cup of warming tea.

Essential oils like geranium, ylang ylang, jasmine and basil can be used in a diffuser to strengthen the water-kidney element. Diffuse throughout the day and evening.

Keeping your Kidneys warm is absolutely essential. Utilising a heat pack and placing it across your lower back/kidney region daily for 20 minutes is extremely beneficial. When heading outside be sure to wear a beanie and scarf to protect the ears and neck – both very vulnerable to cold exposure.

And it goes without saying – Book in an Acupuncture Treatment to strengthen Kidney Energy/Jing, calm the nervous system and bring an amazing sense of calm.

Constipation according to Chinese Medicine……

Let’s talk about a “shitty” subject matter (pardon the punt) CONSTIPATION. To be honest its a bit of a sensitive subject and affects more individuals than you would think. In fact it sent me to the emergency room last week

I treat patients with constipation almost weekly in clinic. Despite what some GP’s may say it is imperative to have bowel movements daily, a few times a week isn’t ok!

CONSTIPATION from a Chinese Medicine Perspective.

~Constipation that comes on quickly is most likely due to heat in the intestines – likely due to the excessive consumption of hot, spicy, chilly foods & excessive alcohol. Consumption of “heating” foods dries up the fluids of the Stomach which in turn affects the Intestines. This causes constipation by drying up stools making them hard to pass. Stools will be dry and likely dark in this case.

~Just like eating too many “heating” foods can cause bowel obstructions the consumption of “cold” foods such as icy cold beverages, smoothies, salads & raw fruits and vegetables will inhibit the Spleen’s function of transporting consumed food causing blockages. Spleen Qi Deficiencies leads to the lack of Qi in the Large Intestine leading to bowel obstructions. Bowel movements will most likely be painful along with abdominal pain & distension.

~Emotional Stresses (anger, resentment, frustration) long term definitely impact bowel movements. Stress affects the Liver & Spleen mainly in Chinese Medicine Philosophy. The above emotions cause Liver Qi Stagnation obstructing the smooth flow of Qi in the Large Intestine leading to constipation, abdominal distension and pain. Excessive mental strain, too much worrying & thinking will affect the Spleen and slow down the movement of food through the intestines leading to Constipation. In this case the stools will be small, bitty and round like pebbles. When patients come in for treatment in relation to constipation I always ask “What are you not letting go of emotionally that is not letting you go physically?”

~ Lack of Movement/Exercise causes weakness of Spleen Qi which in term will lead to Liver Qi Stagnation and therefore a lack of Qi movement within the Large Intestine.

~Physical overwork weakens the Spleen which controls the muscles leading to slow peristalsis—> constipation. Working long hours & night shift will affect and weaken the Kidneys. A deficiency of Kidney Yin will lead to dryness and therefore bowel issues.

Tips to help prevent Constipation

~ If you have recently experienced bowel issues try and reduce your meat intake for a few days including fats and other rich foods and focus on easily digestible foods such as vegetable stews , soups , broths & stewed fruit

~ Keep your intake of fluid up in particular warming herbal tea which are caffeine free. Think Rooibos, Green Tea, Ginger, Dandelion, Chamomile, Lemon Balm & Chai Tea.

~ Including more fibre in your diet through fruit and vegetables is really important to help bulk up stools however sometimes that isn’t enough. I often recommend the inclusion of Flaxseeds, Psyllium Husk and Slippery Elm to help move bowels. Eating prunes followed by a cup of hot water also works really well to oxygenate the bowels and move stagnate stools.

~ Gentle walks which move Qi stagnation and reduce stress levels are also highly recommended. Nothing strenuous.

~ A course of Probiotics to support Gut Microbiome is also extremely helpful as is Magnesium Citrate which is the form of Magnesium which relaxes the bowel in particular.

~ And it goes without saying – ACUPUNCTURE is amazing at moving Qi Stagnation, reducing stress levels and strengthening a deficient spleen and kidneys Jing (essence).

Hayfever Tool Kit…….

If you are anything like me Spring isn’t your favourite season as with a change in season comes ALLERGIES.

Hayfever or Allergic Rhinitis known as “Bi Yuan” in Chinese Medicine literally means, “nose-pool”. It is due to an antigen-antibody reaction in the nasal mucosa. The release of histamines makes capillaries more permeable to fluid accumulation resulting in swelling and irritation. If the antigens responsible are only pollen particles then it is called Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever). If the antigens are dust, house-dust mites, faecal matter, fungal spores and animal dander it is known as Perennial Allergic Rhinitis.

Western Medicine assists to alleviate the symptoms of Hayfever via the use of Anti-Histamines which work by preventing histamine from reaching the site of action i.e. receptors. They can be quite effective however they do carry side-effects (nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, GIT disturbances) and individuals often begin to become immune to their effects having to seek out a new antihistamine every few months.

In terms of Chinese Medicine Hayfever/Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis is due to an invasion of Wind Cold of the Lungs which if not appropriately treated can over time develop into Wind-Heat. Predisposing factors to its development are Weak Wei (Defence) Qi, Weak constitution, Weak Lung Qi, Familial history of Lung disorders and Poor dietary habits.

 Symptoms related to

WIND COLD

• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose with clear or white watery mucus
• Slight headaches
• Sneezing
• Itchy throat
• Cough
• Chills

WIND HEAT

• Sneezing
  • Stuffy nose
  • Runny nose with thick yellow discharge • Itchy nose and throat
  • Redness and swelling around the nose • Itchy, red, sore eyes
  • Thirst
  • Cough
  • Sweating

Once the pathogen has moved internally conditions of Retention of Phlegm Cold in the Lungs, Retention of Phlegm Heat in the Lungs, Stomach Fire, Deficient Lung Qi and Deficient Spleen with Damp can arise which are much harder to treat.

When treating Hayfever, Chinese Medicine aims to expel Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat during the season and strengthen Lung and Kidney Defensive Qi as well as build the immune system. The best time to do this is actually towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Treatment involves Acupuncture, herbs, dietary changes and supplements.

Treatments which could/should be used along side Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are,

• Increase consumption of Fish Oils to retard PG2-inflammatory prostaglandins (take with Vitamin E to avoid oxidation)
• Use garlic (decreases mucous, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory) and horse radish (expectorant, breaks up mucous, opens up sinuses) in cooking. There are also great supplement combinations of these 2 herbs
• Include bee’s wax/honey into the diet as this may decrease sensitization to pollens by orally stimulating the blocking antibodies. Must be from a local farm and taken at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the season
• Drink 2 cups of fenugreek tea daily as its acts as an expectorant helping clear the lungs of phlegm build up
• Ginger extract may be helpful due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Hot spicy foods may assist in opening up the nasal passages
• Coenzyme Q10 is useful in regulating histamine release
• Zinc and Vitamin C  improve oral immunity and assist in drying up mucous from nasal passages. Vitamin C acts as a potent immuno-stimulant and is anti-inflammatory. Zinc is so amazing at supporting immunity
• Quercetin a bioflavonoid and natural antihistamine stabilizes the membranes of cells that release histamine which trigger allergic symptoms
• Bromelain has strong anti-inflammatory properties helping reduce swelling of the nasal passages
• Breathing exercises may assist to strengthen the respiratory system
• Reduce allergic foods such as wheat and dairy (mucous producing)
• Reduce cold, raw foods as they place too much strain on the spleen and increase mucous production
• Avoid fried foods, colours, flavours, preservatives, refined carbohydrates as they all suppress the immune system

Note ~ it is best to not hang wet clothing/bed sheet outside to dry on high pollen days as it can greatly increase allergic episodes. Washing clothing in high water temperatures helps kill dust mites and vacuuming daily will help to eliminate offending dust.

Where Immunity Really Starts……

With so much talk in the media regarding “fighting” this virus 🦠 with vaccines 💉 I truly believe that it is time to get back to basics and look at where immunity starts and ways to support your immune system for overall health & wellbeing.

Hair lacking lustre? Hair Health & Chinese Medicine…..

Hair along with our skin and nails is a reflection of our internal health and wellbeing. Hair loss is no longer a male only issue. In fact, around 40% of women by the age of 50 show signs of hair loss and less than 45% of women actually reach the age of 80 with a full head of hair. However, these days women in their 20’s and 30’s are experiencing the stress of hair loss. It is always a scary sight when you encounter handfuls of hair on the shower floor day by day. 

In Chinese Medicine we view hair loss as having two major causes. The first cause is viewed as a deficiency of Kidney Essence known as Jing. Hair relies on the nourishment of kidney essence to grow. Jing determines growth, reproduction, development, sexual maturation, conception and pregnancy. Hair relies on the nourishment of Kidney Essence to grow. If the Kidney Essence is abundant, hair will grow well and will be healthy and glossy. If kidney essence is weak or declining hair will become thin, brittle, dull looking and fall out.

Causes of a deficiency in kidney essence are 

1. Hereditary Weakness- Chinese Medicine has always placed great emphasis on the relation between the parents essence and the hereditary constitution of their offspring.

2. The emotion related to the kidneys is fear. If an individual goes through an experience which inflicts fear this can lead to sudden hair loss.

3. Chronic Illness  + Old Age – With Old age and Illness a weakness of the kidneys occurs. In fact Chinese Med sees the process of ageing as a result of the decrease of kidney essence throughout life.  

4. Overwork – Both physically and mentally overwork will affect the kidneys. 

The other causative factor of hair loss is blood heat. Heat in the blood can rise up to the scalp and almost heat the follicle so much that it kills its nourishment (burns the YIN) causing the follicle to fall out. This cause will be a common in young individuals. One of the biggest causes of blood heat will be emotions in the case. Blood & Qi nourish body tissues – hair along with skin & nails.

The Liver also plays a vital role in hair health by playing a role in the movement of Qi & Blood – moving these vital substances upwards to nourish the scalp.

Western Medically trichologists believe that in women hair loss is a reflection or barometer of internal deficiency or disturbance of nutritional, metabolic, hormonal or autoimmune origins. One Australian trichologist explains that our hair is “non-essential” and only receives a supply of nutrients when the body has enough nourishment to mend or maintain its more vital parts. That is why the hair is always one of the first indicators to reflect internal disturbance. The body starts to withdraw support from the hair so it can utilise nutrition in other areas…..therefore hair becomes dry, lifeless and thin. Pregnancy and motherhood are also big causes of hair loss. Other causes are viewed as surgery, weight loss, allergic reactions, stopping the contraceptive pill, shock or a stressful event. Undiagnosed thyroid problems, coeliac disease and diabetes are also reasons for hair loss. In more serious cases diagnosis of pituitary tumours usually non malignant in young women can cause hair loss. 

I believe its important for women to take notice of other symptoms such as tiredness, scalp sensitivities, cold extremities, mood swings and unexplained weight gain or loss as these symptoms are all indicative of why hair loss may be occurring. The body is always speaking to us. 

Apart from Acupuncture and herbal supplements to strengthen and balance kidney essence, increasing your levels of iron, vitamin D, biotin, silica and iodine are essential as low levels of these vitamins and minerals will cause hair loss. Diet also goes without saying. Maintaining your levels of healthy fats (nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocados, flaxseed, coconut oil) lots of fresh organic fruit and vegetables, leafy greens, good levels of protein via organic chicken, grass fed meats & eggs and salmon/oily fish to provide omega 3 fatty acids are so important. Maintaining Gut health & integrity is essential hence incorporating Bone Broth into your daily nutrition plan is also very important to allow for the proper assimilation and absorption of what you eat. The gelatine found in bone broth is very healing.

Regular exercise and other stress management techniques are also important to bring down cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones) and increase serotonin and endorphins our healthy brain neurotransmitters.

Scalp massage using either a coconut oil or caster oil along with rosemary, lavender and peppermint essential oils will help stimulate blood flow to the scalp. Leave it on the scalp for at least an hour before shampooing out.

Expect approximately three months to start to see some changes in hair loss levels. Hair is always three months behind what you do. Hair is often the first tissue to reveal signs of a problem but is almost always the last to recover.  

Wellness Spring News

IT’S ALL ABOUT SUPPORTING IMMUNITY……

There has been a lot of information, much conflicting around the Corona Virus. What has become clear is that the world has not seen a medical emergency quiet like this for a long time.

As a Natural Medicine Practitioner my focus and emphasis is always “Prevention is Better than CURE”. I feel like the real focus on virus prevention has disappeared frankly & find individuals fighting over toilet paper and tissues quiet ridiculous!!

So what are the best ways to support yourself and your loved ones from COVID–19?

As Hippocrates stated thousands of years ago “All Disease Begins in the Gut”. 80% of your immunity starts in the GUT so please focus on eating nutritious “real” food. Load up on lots of vegetables, lots of greens, good fats (avocado, olive oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, nuts, seeds), organic sources of protein (eggs, chicken, grass feed meet). Load up on bone broths that strengthen & heal the GUT.  

Steer away from consuming to many biscuits, cakes, sugar filled sweets & milk chocolate, highly processed foods, frozen convenient foods, alcohol etc. Although eating these foods may seem like a “comfort” at the time long term they are simply just suppress the immune system.

Along with filling your body with nutritious foods and practicing great hygiene (preferably washing your hands with soup and water over using too much hand gel sanitizer), wiping down surfaces like your mobile phone with mentholated spirits often (there’s a lot of microbes on there) taking immune boosting supplements is a key.

VITAMIN C – Acts like a solider standing guard in your body therefore essential in the fight against this strain of virus. Aim for about 1000mg daily

VITAMIN D – Essential for supporting the immune system & is involved in respiratory health. Minimum of 2000IU daily.

ZINC – Essential mineral which is involved in more body functions than any other mineral. One of its most important roles is in Immune system support (white blood cell production and T cell production). T cell secretion by the thymus gland which is primarily involved in immunity & strong Anti-viral activity. Zinc has an anti-inflammatory function & COVID-19 primarily attacks the lungs causing high levels of inflammation. Aim for 25-30mg daily.

OLIVE LEAF EXTRACT – Due to its high antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties olive leaf extract is antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and immune-stimulating. It has been shown to be effective against virtually all viruses & bacteria. Recommended dose of 500-100mg.

ELDERBERRY – Combats free radicals & inflammation. Helps with coughs and congestion. Soothes the respiratory system & supports immunity.  

ECHINACEA – Fights inflammation & bacterial and viral infections. Stimulates certain white blood cells, which is important when going against foreign invaders such as COVID-19.

Some supplements have the above in combination formula’s.

SPRING & Dreaded Hayfever

Ah SPRING……That time of year when the sun begins to shine again and flowers start to bloom once more. However, for so many of us it is not all sunshine and roses! It is also the time of year for dreaded Allergies–Hayfever.

Hayfever or Allergic Rhinitis known as “Bi Yuan” in Chinese Medicine literally means, “nose-pool”. It is due to an antigen-antibody reaction in the nasal mucosa. The release of histamines makes capillaries more permeable to fluid accumulation resulting in swelling and irritation. If the antigens responsible are only pollen particles then it is called Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever). If the antigens are dust, house-dust mites, faecal matter, fungal spores and animal dander it is known as Perennial Allergic Rhinitis.

Western Medicine assists to alleviate the symptoms of Hayfever via the use of Anti-Histamines which work by preventing histamine from reaching the site of action i.e. receptors. They can be quite effective however they do carry side-effects (nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness, fatigue, GIT disturbances) and individuals often begin to become immune to their effects having to seek out a new antihistamine every few months.

In terms of Chinese Medicine Hayfever/Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis is due to an invasion of Wind Cold of the Lungs which if not appropriately treated can over time develop into Wind-Heat. Predisposing factors to its development are Weak Wei (Defence) Qi, Weak constitution, Weak Lung Qi, Familial history of Lung disorders and Poor dietary habits.

 Symptoms related to

WIND COLD

• Stuffy nose
• Runny nose with clear or white watery mucus
• Slight headaches
• Sneezing
• Itchy throat
• Cough
• Chills

WIND HEAT

• Sneezing
  • Stuffy nose
  • Runny nose with thick yellow discharge • Itchy nose and throat
  • Redness and swelling around the nose • Itchy, red, sore eyes
  • Thirst
  • Cough
  • Sweating

Once the pathogen has moved internally conditions of Retention of Phlegm Cold in the Lungs, Retention of Phlegm Heat in the Lungs, Stomach Fire, Deficient Lung Qi and Deficient Spleen with Damp can arise which are much harder to treat.

When treating Hayfever, Chinese Medicine aims to expel Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat during the season and strengthen Lung and Kidney Defensive Qi as well as build the immune system. The best time to do this is actually towards the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. Treatment involves Acupuncture, herbs, dietary changes and supplements.

Treatments which could/should be used along side Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine are,

• Increase consumption of Fish Oils to retard PG2-inflammatory prostaglandins (take with Vitamin E to avoid oxidation)
• Use garlic (decreases mucous, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory) and horse radish (expectorant, breaks up mucous, opens up sinuses) in cooking
• Include bee’s wax/honey into the diet as this may decrease sensitization to pollens by orally stimulating the blocking antibodies. Must be from a local farm and taken at least 6 weeks prior to the beginning of the season
• Drink 2 cups of fenugreek tea daily as its acts as an expectorant
• Ginger extract may be helpful due to its anti-inflammatory properties
• Hot spicy foods may assist in opening up the nasal passages
• Coenzyme Q10 is useful in regulating histamine release
• Zinc and Vitamin C lozenges improve oral immunity and assist in drying up mucous from nasal passages. Vitamin C acts as a potent immuno-stimulant and is anti-inflammatory
• Quercetin a bioflavonoid stabilizes the membranes of cells that release histamine which trigger allergic symptoms
• Breathing exercises may assist to strengthen the respiratory system
• Reduce allergic foods such as wheat and dairy (mucous producing)
• Reduce cold, raw foods as they place too much strain on the spleen and increase mucous production
• Avoid fried foods, colours, flavours, preservatives, refined carbohydrates as they all suppress the immune system

Note ~ it is best to not hang wet clothing/bed sheet outside to dry on high pollen days as it can greatly increase allergic episodes. Washing clothing in high water temperatures helps kill dust mites and vacuuming daily will help to eliminate offending dust.

Season of Spring

Element – Wood

Controlled by – Metal

Sense – Sight

Colour – Green

Climate – Wind

Organ – Liver

Disease Affecting – Muscles

Emotion – Anger

Number – Eight

Flavour – Sour

Beneficial Cereal – Wheat

Beneficial fruit – Plums

Beneficial Vegetable – Leaks

Beneficial Meat – Chicken

 

Are we winding up when we should be winding down?

We all know how hours on end staring at a computer, laptop, ipad & iphone screen impact us at the end of the day. In this digital age our workday be it working in a corporate environment/office, in our own business or blogging centre’s around being glued to our screens.

So how does one rejuvenate, revive and avoid screen burnout at the end of the day?

I believe it all starts with taking steps throughout the day and setting up your workspace so that the long-term impacts are decreased. Thus, overtime fewer consequences occur on mental and physical health and wellbeing.

Here are some of my personal tips to surviving your workday and winding down at the end of it.

1. Be kind to your eyes. It is said that the eyes are the windows to the soul therefore be gentle to them and make sure to take breaks away from the screen every 30 minutes. When we stare at our screen for hours we often forget to blink leading to dry sore eyes. Having some lubricating eye drops on your desk and putting them in a few times throughout the day will and can prevent exhausted eyes. Brewing up chamomile tea and allowing the tea bags to cool before placing them on your eyelids also soothes sore eyes as well.
2. Now days we are constantly surrounded by EMF (Electric Magnetic Fields). Our homes and workplaces run on WiFi constantly emitting these physical fields produced by electrically charged objects. The long-term concern is that they leave us feeling “wired” ourselves and unable to wind down. I love having a bottle of Electro Essence by Australian Bush Flower Essences by my screen. In fact I have approximately 6 bottles around my house. It helps protect me from feeling drained and flat and reduces the emotional effects of radiation. I replace them once a year ensuring the essences stay active.
3. Make a point of not looking at a screen at least 2 hours prior to bedtime. Studies have concluded that light emitted from screens in the evening alters sleepiness and modifies and suppresses melatonin levels (hormone which helps control yoursleep and wake cycles). Studies show comprehensive results supporting the direct impact that reading a printed book verses a light-emitting device on sleep. Hence, go old school and switch to a book before slipping into the land of nod.
4. Long hours staring at a screen not only affects your eyes but posture leaving you with sore aching muscles particularly of the neck, shoulders and lower back. Winding down at the end of a workday with a cup of hot cacao is ideal. Raw cacao contains beta-carotene, calcium, zinc, iron, potassium, chromium and in particular magnesium that helps ease muscle contraction aiding relaxation. I love to have mine with almond milk, cinnamon and little raw honey or coconut sugar if craving a little sweetness.
5. I absolutely love ending my workday with a big mug of herbal tea. Look for blends, which include chamomile, lemonbalm, rose petals, lavender, juniper berries and fennel, all herbs, which aid in restful sleep by calming down the nervous system.
6. I love essential oils. Essential oils are volatile and absorbed into the blood system when applied topically. Lavender is soothing easing stress and anxiety. It comforts and sooths the nervous system promoting peace of mind. For that reason is perfect to pop on your pillow at the end of the day or massaged into the temples and/or back of the neck. Roman chamomile is also a fantastic essential oil that can be used in conjunction with lavender as it’s properties are soothing, calming and releasing therefore encouraging serenity at the end of a long tiring day.

Technology is fantastic and allows us to be connected however it can be taxing on our physical and mental health. It’s important to take steps to avoid burnout and therefore allow us to continue doing what we love.

Coffee & Your Hormones

 

Hormone – “A substance that is produced by one tissue and transported to another tissue where it induces a specific physiological response”. 

Hormones being chemical messages are essential for many processes within our body from growth and development to metabolism, appetite control, the female menstrual cycle to fertility. So many factors are causing havoc on our hormones these days

• Environmental toxins such as herbacides and pesticides
• Plastics especially when heated
• Cleaning products
• Cosmetics
• Household furnishing
• Chemicals in paints
• Electric magnetic fields from wifi, mobile phones etc

Females seem to suffer more significantly from the affects of hormone disruptors. This has lead to increased numbers in females with

• Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome –  PCOS
• Premenstrual Syndrome – PMS
• Endometriosis
• Breast lumps and Cysts
• Mood swings
• Menstrual irregularies
• Fibroids
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Acne

The list goes on. Now ladies there is another hormone disruptor, one that helps us start our day, one that elicits daily pleasure —> COFFEE. Yes coffee that warm liquid that many have become addicted to!

How does coffee distrupt hormones you ask? Well coffee being a stimulant releases cortisol one of our stress hormones. Cortisol has been found to make PMS worse, increases menstrual cramps as it robs our body of the beautiful relaxing mineral -MAGNESIUM and heightens hot flushes etc.

Coffee depletes essential B Vitamins which are involved in almost every process in our body  – red blood cell formation, energy production, hormone production & stabilisation, mental function & clarity, healthy skin and hair, digestive health & metabolism to mention a few.

Coffee depletes other essential vitamins such as Vitamin C (essential for immunity, skin health/repair and collagen synthesis, adrenal support). Zinc (immunity, skin health & repair, GUT health & repair). Potassium (heart, kidney, muscle, nerve & digestive system health as well as functioning). Calcium (bone & muscle health). Most importantly coffee robs our body of Magnesium an essential mineral whom’s role is in relaxing muscle (muscular-skeletal, bowel and importantly of the uterus). Hence this only contributes and worsens menstrual cramps and no one wants that right!!

Coffee when consumed in quantities of two serves or more daily robs the body of good gut bacteria and as we know all too well everything starts with a healthy MICROBIOME. 

So how can you continue to enjoy your morning caffeine fix without it causing havoc on your hormonal levels?

• Start your day off with a glass of warm water and the juice of half a lemon to support liver health and its action of filtration.
• Bullet proof your coffee by adding 2 tablespoons of unsalted grass fed butter or coconut oil to lessen the affects of the caffeine
• Dont consume more than two cups of coffee daily and importantly no caffeine after 11am or 12 midday as caffeine takes up to 12 hours to clear from the body. Drinking coffee later in the day will only cause restless sleep which leads to you waking up tired and hence needing more coffee to get through your day……see its a vicious cycle.
• Think about alternative warm soothing beverages such as a cup of chai tea/latte or brewing up a Matcha latte.

So ladies there are so many factors affecting and contributing to our hormonal havoc as i mentioned above. Eating organically, choosing to use chemical free cleaning products and cosmetics and lessening hour coffee consumption are definately key!!