HEALTH HUB Latest Articles
Sugar Places Your Heart At Risk
Sugar places your heart at risk By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Sugar is bad for everybody’s health. Even if you are slim and active, sugar can still harm your heart eventually. A recent study has shown that just 3 months of a high sugar diet alters fat metabolism in your body in a way that raises heart disease risk. The research was conducted by a team from the University of Surrey in the UK, and their findings were published in the journal Clinical Science. Interestingly, the researchers discovered that your liver processes fats differently if you eat a high sugar [...]
Buckwheat Granola
Buckwheat granola Not only is this super delicious and easy, it’s also a good nutritional and filling snack. This buckwheat granola contains gluten-free buckwheat which is a rich source of protein, calcium and fibre to strengthen bones and teeth, aid digestion and promote satiety. The additional nuts, seeds and spices are excellent sources of quality fats, magnesium and zinc to strengthen immunity, calm the nervous system and alleviate cravings. Serves: 12 Ingredients: 13 Serving Size: 63g (53g if honey omitted) Total calories: 258 kcal (230kcal if honey omitted) Carbohydrates: 23g (15.36g if honey [...]
Prevent Winter Weight Gain With A Cleanse
Prevent winter weight gain with a cleanse As winter sets in, the days get shorter and darker, there is a crisp chill to the morning air, rainy days turn into lazy days, motivation dwindles, we fall off the wagon with our exercise goals, comfort foods become part of our daily menu and the winter padding starts to creep on. We accept that winter weight gain is inevitable, and as a result don’t put much effort in. We blame the cold, dark and wet weather for our lack of motivation or dedication to our health. The truth is, winter [...]
Is Your Fibromyalgia Coming From Your Gut?
Is your fibromyalgia coming from your gut? By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Fibromyalgia is a very common problem presenting itself as pain and tenderness in the muscles, ligaments and connective tissue. Patients experience muscular pain that is similar to what results from injury or muscle overuse. You can feel like you’ve been beaten up or lifted heavyweights, when you’ve done no such thing. Tenderness in the muscles and tendons, which are painful to touch are known as ‘trigger points’. Pain may be chronic or intermittent and to qualify for the diagnosis of fibromyalgia it must have been present for [...]
Autoimmune Disease Can Adversely Affect Mental Health
Autoimmune disease can adversely affect mental health By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Did you know that individuals with autoimmune disease are more likely to suffer with depression or anxiety? This can partly be explained by the stress of dealing with a chronic health condition, but there is more to the story. People with autoimmune disease suffer with excess inflammation generated by the immune system. Inflammation affects neurotransmitter production in the brain, and this can impair mental health. A recent study has shown that up to 75 percent of people with systemic lupus erythematosus experience neuropsychiatric symptoms. According to Allison [...]
Chocolate Granola Protein Clusters
Chocolate granola protein clusters This chocolate granola protein clusters recipe serves as the perfect breakfast or snack option for all the cereal lovers and sweet tooths out there. It is free from gluten, grains and refined sugar and uses nuts, seeds and quinoa flakes instead of grains, making it higher in protein and fat to help stabilise blood sugar levels and keep you fuller for longer. You can swap around the ingredients depending on your tastes and what you have in your pantry. Serves: 12 Ingredients: 10 Serving size: 55 g Total calories: [...]
Case Study: Losing Weight With A Sugar Addiction
Case Study: Losing weight with a sugar addiction By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Pauline is a 53 year old lady who recently consulted me because she was concerned about her weight. She was not significantly overweight, but it was all around her torso, which Pauline knew was a dangerous place to carry excess weight. Both of her parents had poor health and Pauline wanted to avoid following a similar path. Pauline had been totally addicted to sugary foods all her life and would binge on sweet cookies, cakes, candy, ice cream and donuts; she felt totally out of control [...]
How To Lose Weight With Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
How to lose weight with polycystic ovarian syndrome By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in women. It can cause unpleasant symptoms, disrupt the menstrual cycle and cause infertility. It typically also makes weight loss incredibly difficult. In most cases, women with PCOS can be eating well and exercising often, yet their weight doesn’t shift. This is understandably very frustrating and disheartening. In order to lose weight, it’s important to understand the underlying driver of PCOS. Insulin resistance and nutrient deficiencies are the usual culprits. Over secretion of insulin [...]
5 Low-Carb Breakfast Options That Will Fuel Your Day
5 low-carb breakfast options that will fuel your day By Louise Belle BHSC (Nut Med) If you’re a jam on toast or bowl of cereal for breakfast kind of person, then there are many more nutritious options you could reach for that will boost your energy and be kind to your waistline. 1. Eggs and veggies Simply cut up some mushrooms, tomato, onion and spinach, whisk some eggs with some herbs and spices and make yourself a quick omelette or scramble – it really doesn’t take much [...]
Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
Crunchy roasted chickpeas Easy, moreish and healthy, these perfectly seasoned chickpeas are perfect as a snack or salad topper. They are also vegan friendly, gluten-free, dairy-free and sugar-free! These crunchy roasted chickpeas are high in protein and fibre to aid weight control, stabilise blood sugar levels and keep appetite under control. Serves: 4 Ingredients: 9-11 Serving Size: 106g Total calories: 158 kcal Carbohydrates: 23.83g Fat: 4.28g Protein: 7.27g Ingredients 1 x 400g can chickpeas, ½ tsp cumin ½ tsp paprika ½ tsp garlic powder ¼ tsp onion powder ¼ [...]