HEALTH HUB Latest Articles
Superfoods – Not All Foods Are Created Equal!
Superfoods - Not all foods are created equal! If, as a child, your parents kept nagging you to “eat your spinach” then they were on the right track! It seems that spinach, dark-green lettuces (baby spinach leaves, rocket and mignonette), avocadoes and orange sweet potato (kumera) offer the highest quantities of vitamin C, folate, fibre and minerals. Far better that you eat your broccoli than your beans, healthier to snack on an orange than an apple (yes, despite the old adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”) and, even though they are cousins, garlic is far [...]
Focus On Your Swimming Technique
Focus on your swimming technique GET FIT & MEAN IT! with World Champion Kate Bramley For those of you who struggle through the water - you’re not alone. Here is a list of common technique mistakes in swimming & ways to counteract them - 1. Foot Position You should kick with pointed toes, this reduces drag (resistance force) & increases the effectiveness of the kick. Work on ankle flexibility and focus on this during kick sets. 2. Crossover arm Your hands should not cross the midline of your body at any point- aim for [...]
The 5 Vital Principles to Reverse a Fatty Liver
The 5 vital principles to reverse a fatty liver If you have been diagnosed with a fatty liver it is vital that you take a pro-active approach, otherwise the condition will progress and your liver function will deteriorate. Fatty liver is closely associated with Syndrome X (insulin resistance) and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. Luckily fatty liver disease is reversible; the liver is able to repair itself and fatty deposits can be removed from within it. The eating principles described below will help to reverse a fatty liver and also help you lose weight and reduce [...]
Does Your Liver Really Need Cleansing?
Does your liver really need cleansing? By Dr Sandra Cabot Detoxification and cleansing diets are always popular, particularly at the beginning of the year when many of us are feeling flat, flabby and in desperate need of a body overhaul. Your liver is the hardest working organ in your body and I believe if you look after your liver, you should lead a longer and healthier life. I have always said “Love your liver and live longer!” Your liver is the major detoxification organ in your body. It acts as a filter, helping to keep your bloodstream clean, and [...]
Slowing Down Your Exercise
Slowing down your exercise GET FIT & MEAN IT! with World Champion Kate Bramley There’s a few different forms of exercise out there now that aim to give you the most bang for your buck. By this I mean high intensity efforts with limited rest within a short session. Think HIIT training, F45, group boot camp & fitness sessions, spin classes, Crossfit etc. These types of activities have their place in exercise programs but you need to consider whether they are right for you & your body. If done incorrectly they can increase your chance of injury and you [...]
The Link Between Infections And Autoimmune Disease
The link between infections and autoimmune disease By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Autoimmune disease is incredibly common, particularly in women. It occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks components of your own body – such as your organs or tissues. The most common autoimmune diseases are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, psoriasis, iritis, arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease and Graves’ disease. What causes a person to develop an autoimmune condition? The short answer is several things, including genetic predisposition, poor intestinal health (leaky gut and dysbiosis) and environmental triggers. An example of an environmental trigger is an infection. Infections are a very [...]
Are You Eating The Right Kind Of Salt?
Are you eating the right kind of salt? By Jessah Robinson Before adding extra salt to your evening meal, it’s important to be aware of the kind of salt you are consuming. The table salt that is often found in the majority of cafes, restaurants and kitchens worldwide, is similar to the industrial chemical that is used to de-ice highways. This might make you second guess the use of regular table salt. Although salt has been slammed for being a key factor in the development of heart disease, good quality salt is actually a key element in a [...]
Basic Nutrition For Longer Exercise Sessions
Basic nutrition for longer exercise sessions GET FIT & MEAN IT! with World Champion Kate Bramley If you have been following my blog for a while you will start to notice that some of the sessions are getting longer or more intense. It can be difficult to know exactly what to eat to maintain you energy levels before/during/after a session. Here are some quick tips to make sure you get the most out of each session: Tip #1 If possible try and do some shorter sessions (<30mins) in the morning [...]
Journal Exercise on 10 Assertive Rights
Journal exercise on 10 assertive rights Answer the following questions in your journal. They are designed to help you assess your level of assertiveness. #1 How can I keep others and myself from being judgemental? Why is it so easy to judge another? How does my fear of judgement reduce my assertiveness? #2 Why do people demand a reason for others' behaviour? How does constant rationalising and defending my behaviour affect my relationship with others? #3 How do I feel about being blamed for others' problems? How fair [...]
Pool Running / Aqua Jogging
Pool running / Aqua jogging GET FIT & MEAN IT! with World Champion Kate Bramley Pool running is usually done in waist deep water where you run touching the ground. Aqua jogging is in the deep end with a floatation belt (or a wetsuit) where your feet don’t touch the ground. In this one focus on running technique as close to land running as possible with an extra emphasis on pushing your heel down. The Benefits: It is a great way to increase your running and endurance Very low to [...]