Brisbane West Naturopathy

09/07/2023

OUR LYMPHATIC SYSTEM IS THE BODY’S RUBBISH DISPOSAL SYSTEM and essential to our health. The Lymphatic System has EVERYTHING to do with immunity, illness and disease and when healthy it helps to boosts our immunity.

The intricate network of vessels, tissues, and organs of the lymphatic (body) and glymphatic (head & neck) systems play an essential role in our body's immune response, helping us ward off illnesses and disease.

Too often these systems are overlooked and with the stresses of everyday life they can become stagnant causing a build up of toxins making it easier for us to get sick. Swollen lymph nodes usually occur as a result of infection from bacteria or viruses.

Infections such as tonsilitis, sore throats, ear infections, sinusitis and coughs, headaches, gut problems, fluid retention, low mood, forgetfulness, muscle fatigue and swelling under the arms and in the groin are all contributed to by a sluggish lymphatic system.

Contact us to book a lymphatic drainage massage, our free handout on how to care for lymph at home or to do a naturopathic guided lymphatic detox.

Yvette & Marianne💙

26/11/2022

20/09/2022

Spending time outside, away from phones and computers, and getting diffused sunlight into our eyes is so important for our health.

EVER WONDERED WHY THE AIR FEELS REFRESHING WHEN YOU ARE OUT IN NATURE OR AFTER IT HAS RAINED? The air is filled with negative ions. When you inhale them, they move into our bloodstream and produce a biochemical reaction that increases levels of our good mood neurotransmitter – serotonin. This helps us to relieve stress, boost daytime energy and improve our mood.
Everyday we are exposed to damaging positive ions from EMFS = computers, mobile phones, TVs, microwaves etc. No wonder rates of stress and anxiety are increasing.

What are negative ions? Negative ions protect us from harmful free radicals that create ‘dis-ease’ in our bodies whilst increasing feelings of anxiety and depression.

Negative ions are odorless, tasteless, and invisible molecules that we inhale in abundance in certain environments. Think walking in the bush, waterfalls, and beaches. Take time each day to get outside and get deflected sunlight in your eyes – but leave your phone behind - for the sake of your health and wellness.

27/07/2022

HEALTHY LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE BOOSTS OUR IMMUNITY. During cold and flu season (and at all times) we must make sure we have healthy lymphatic flow. The Lymphatic System is part of the Immune System but is also the body’s main waste removal system. When it doesn’t work efficiently it is easier for us to get sick .

Lymphatic Drainage is also helpful when recovering from viruses and infection as it boosts removal of viral and infectious matter from the body.

When lymph detects a virus or infection it produces white blood cells (immune cells) to monitor and then destroy invading microbes. Healthy flow of lymph then picks up toxins and waste – moving it through a network of tissues and organs that help rid the body of this unwanted matter. The vessels are connected to lymph nodes, where the lymph is filtered. The tonsils, adenoids, spleen and thymus are all part of the lymphatic system.

Regular lymphatic drainage – either at home or by a practitioner will support a healthier immune response.

Contact me if you feel your immune system needs a lymphatic drainage massage.

Marianne💚

16/07/2022

If you feel your immune system needs support - book a lymphatic massage with me.
Call: 0417875718

19/06/2022

Lymphatic Drainage is so important for our overall health.

22/01/2022

Herbal medicine 💚

WHAT ABOUT A CUP OF DANDELION LEAF TEA TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY TO COVID?

In a study done last year it was found that the common dandelion leaf is effective in providing some protection against the current virus - which enters the human cell by attaching to the surface of ACE2 receptors found on cells. The study found efficacy of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to block protein–protein interaction of the current viral spike protein to the human ACE2 receptor.

Dandelion root is well known for its health benefits for the liver and gallbladder. However, this study focused on the dandelion leaf. Traditionally use of this herb has been considered safe, however if you have high blood pressure talk to your natural health practitioner before considering this herb for immune support.

Enjoy your tea!
Marianne & Yvette

Extract of paper:
Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Oct; 14(10): 1055.
Published online 2021 Oct 17. doi: 10.3390/ph14101055
PMCID: PMC8538008
PMID: 34681279
In Vitro Effect of Taraxacum officinale Leaf Aqueous Extract on the Interaction between ACE2 Cell Surface Receptor and SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein D614 and Four Mutants
To date, there have been rapidly spreading new SARS-CoV-2 “variants of concern”. They all contain multiple mutations in the ACE2 receptor recognition site of the spike protein, compared to the original Wuhan sequence, which is of great concern, because of their potential for immune escape. Here we report on the efficacy of common dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) to block protein–protein interaction of SARS-COV-2 spike to the human ACE2 receptor. This could be shown for the wild type and mutant forms (D614G, N501Y, and a mix of K417N, E484K, and N501Y) in human HEK293-hACE2 kidney and A549-hACE2-TMPRSS2 lung cells. High-molecular-weight compounds in the water-based extract account for this effect. Infection of the lung cells using SARS-CoV-2 spike D614 and spike Delta (B.1.617.2) variant pseudotyped lentivirus particles was efficiently prevented by the extract and so was virus-triggered pro-inflammatory interleukin 6 secretion. Modern herbal monographs consider the usage of this medicinal plant as safe.

09/01/2022

Black Seed Oil is beneficial in supporting our immune system against viruses.

NIGELLA SATIVA OIL - THIS AMAZING MEDICINAL PLANT IS STRONGLY ANTIVIRAL AND IMMUNOMODULATORY. 👉A recent 2021 randomised controlled clinical trial found supplementation Nigella sativa oil (500mg 2 x day) helped patients with mild symptoms of the current virus to recover faster.

The oil from the Nigella seeds (know as Black Seed Oil) also contains anti-bacterial, anti fungal and antiparasitic properties.
Black Seed Oil has been traditionally used for centuries in middle eastern and European folk medicine –the seeds were ground to a paste and mixed with honey to combat upper respiratory infections. There are currently other studies underway, using black seed oil together with honey to assess antiviral effects - we look forward to reading those results.

Black Seed Oil has been found to stimulate T-cell production which supports our acute immune response - to any virus - and helps reduce viral load.

The strong antioxidant properties of its main constituent, thymoquinone, helps reduce oxidative stress and decreases inflammatory responses throughout the body. Not only that but thymoquinone has an anti-histamine effect and has positive effects for the upper respiratory conditions including asthma, bronchitis and coughs.

Black Seed oil is certainly a nutrient we can consider to support our immunity against viruses of the upper respiratory tract. You can also sprinkle the seeds over salads or grind them up to use in cooking. What’s not to love?💚

Marianne & Yvette 💚

07/01/2022

Why is Vitamin D so important for our immune system?
Are you getting enough?

WHY IS VITAMIN D SO ESSENTIAL TO YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM?

There is currently a climate of fear around catching a virus – so let’s be proactive. At Pure Elemental, we can help you look after your immune system so it will look after your health.

What are T-Cells & B-cells (T & B-lymphocytes) & why are they important? They are white blood cells that work hard to destroy viral & damaged cells, and to develop a response for ‘next time’. A strong T-cell response triggers a strong anti-microbial response helping us to effectively fight off invaders such as viruses.

Our Adaptive Immune System (part of the whole immune system) is most at work against viruses. It constantly evolves to fight new threats. The T-cells do most of the work – supported by B-cells. It’s the job of B-cells to create a record of an invader (antibodies) & to develop an immune response. The body will then recognise that invader if it comes again.

What supports lymphocytes?
👉Vitamin D - T-cells can’t mobilise if we don’t have enough
• Get out in the sun for 10-15 minutes a day without sunscreen – Vitamin D is mostly produced in the skin from sunlight.
• Eat Vitamin D containing foods – mushrooms and good fats as part of a balanced diet.
• You can supplement – check with us re dosage & right type for you. If levels are low we can help you check why.
👉Vitamin C - specifically increases numbers of T-cells
• Increase your intake of fruit and vegetables, or take a food based Vitamin C supplements.
• Other types of supplements are available – talk to us.
👉Folate (not folic acid), vitamin B 6, riboflavin and thiamine – are all needed for proper function of T-cells
• Foods rich in vitamins and minerals are essential to keep our T-cell count up - eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
• Supplement with a good vitamin B.
👉Production of T-cells is reduced by stress – support your adrenals & nervous system.
👉B-cells are activated by T-cells and an healthy lymphatic system – we can show you how to improve lymphatic health.

👉Your body has an amazing capacity to protect and heal – just give your immune system the tools & right environment to do its work.

Yvette and Marianne run online immune consultations to support anti-viral immunity and your overall immune resilience💚

25/08/2021

SINCE OUR LIVES BECAME DETERMINED BY THE PANDEMIC, PREVIOUS LEVELS OF STRESS, FEAR & ANXIETY HAVE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY - and I think we'd all agree that these days amongst all the fear and stress many of us are not taking enough time to care for themselves.

I have seen this first hand in the number of clients who come to see me to work out why they:
- are exhausted,
- can’t sleep,
- have hormone issues
- are putting on weight.
Last week a 40 year old male client came to see me wondering why when giving a business talk – something he has done for decades – he suddenly found he couldn’t speak or breathe properly and had chest pains. Since then he has experienced exhaustion and brain fog.
This relates to an overburdened adrenal response – fight or flight or freeze. (I will discuss this in another post).

STILLNESS:
* The noise in our heads, as well as externally, impacts our mental health and leads to brain inflammation, brain fog and low mood. *This affects energy & overall health & we lose touch with ourselves.
* We need to calm the mental chatter and people often meditation can feel hard to ‘do’ when they are overly stressed. In my yoga classes and my work with clients we will focus on finding stillness or quietness within movement.
* These days with lockdowns and restrictions we find ourselves at home more than ever so sometimes when we can’t go out we need to go ‘within’ to strengthen our connection to our inner stillness & resilience.
* We won’t find it if we rely on excess exercise or taking supplements – we need to work more wholistically.

Are you ready to find ways to introduce other strategies into your life to bring about improved stress responses, to boost your physical and mental health?
Give me a call on 0417875718 or contact me through DM or my website.
Marianne 💚

25/04/2021

Marianne practices Lymphatic Drainage Massage at Jindalee.

DID YOU KNOW THE LYMPHATIC SYSTEM IS A CRUCIAL PART OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM? As the weather starts to cool down it is essential we boost our immunity – or build a strong & balanced Immune System (immune tolerance).

External microbes – bacteria, viruses, fungi etc are ‘received’ by our immune system which sends signals to various glands i.e. tonsils to mount an immune defence. Toxins are then sent to the lymph to be cleaned out. If our Lymphatic System is sluggish or congested our immunity will be weakened.

We also need to ensure that our downstream detox systems are strong & working well too – such as the liver, gallbladder, colon and kidneys.

If you don’t know where to start – get in touch and I would be happy to give you direction.

Marianne 💚

05/04/2021

April is Adenomyosis Awareness Month

30/03/2021

Is your Lymphatic System draining efficiently?

29/03/2021

Fatigue is often an overriding symptom of Endometriosis.

ENDOMETRIOSIS SYMPTOMS CAN VARY GREATLY FROM ONE PERSON TO THE NEXT. Fatigue (often a chronic fatigue) is regularly overlooked as a symptom for this disease.

A 2020 survey by Endometriosis America for that fatigue was a symptom for 96% of sufferers.

Have you got unexplained fatigue or do you have endometriosis and need support?

Marianne is a member of The Endometriosis Expert Group and can help with correct diagnosis, correct nutrition, mindfulness and yoga as well as herbal medicine and supplementation.

Contact Marianne - details on website and Facebook. In clinic and online consultations available.

07/03/2021

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE IS A THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE TREATMENT that uses gentle pressure & rhythmic strokes to increase the lymph flow around the body. This treatment helps to flush out retained fluids and toxins from your body which allows your body to function at a better level of health.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage helps the Lymphatic System to do its job better.

HOW IT WORKS:
The Lymphatic System is part of the Immune System, and it's very superficial. Composed by veins and lymph nodes strategically localised, the Lymphatic System is responsible for collecting & draining metabolic waste, toxins and water excess. By stimulating the lymph nodes and pushing the lymph towards the heart, it returns to the bloodstream, is then filtered by the kidneys and flushed out through urine.
When the Lymphatic System works well, we feel healthy & have a strong defence against illness. When it’s sluggish or blocked after surgery or injury, we may experience swelling, fatigue poor digestion, and be more susceptible to colds & infections.

HOW LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE CAN HELP:
• Eliminates fluid retention & reduces swelling.
• Increases detoxification
• Improves metabolism and circulation
• Reduces pain caused by swelling
• Helps in eliminating cellulite
• Reduces bloating and constipation
• Relieves heavy legs
• Decreases severity of menstrual cramps, improves symptoms of Premenstrual Syndrome ( PMS)
• Promotes Relaxation
• Boosts Immunity
• Boosts Energy
• Boosts Digestion
• Pre-Post Cosmetic Surgery
• Lymphoedema (accumulation of lymphatic fluid in adipose tissue)
• Helps the body to heal more quickly from injuries, surgical trauma, chronic conditions
• Lipidema
• Soothes the sympathetic nervous system, helping to relieve stress & anxiety
• Can reduce symptoms of many chronic conditions such as chronic sinusitis, migraines, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome & others.

01/03/2021

Natural therapies can complement medical intervention for this condition.

Call Marianne for a 15 minutes discovery call to see how she can help: 0417875718

07/02/2021

Fascinating discussion by Leah Hechtmann regarding the importance of minerals and optimal nutrition to prevent early onset menopause (premature ovarian failure) as a cause of infertility.

28/01/2021

Sharing food with friends can still mean nourishing meals ....

DINNER WITH FAMILY OR FRIENDS - holidays are perfect for catching up with family & friends - and meals with thers can be delivious but still great for our health. If you are entertaining over the long weekend this dish is easy to prepare, tastes great and is nutrient dense. Make it and feel the benefits!

*Salmon is protein rich & high in Omega-3 = great for heart, brain & immune health. Broccolini contains sulforaphane which protects against disease. it's alkalising, anti-inflammatory & full of Vit C, E, calcium, iron & CoQ10. Edamame beans are high in fibre, protein and Vitamin K.

Serves 4
Ingredients:
400grms skinless Atlantic salmon
1 tablespoon organic maple syrup
1 tablespoon of mustard
1 tablespoon of tamari (or wheat free soy sauce).
½ teaspoon each of black and white sesame seeds.
2 bunches of broccolini trimmed and thick stems halved (or 1 bunch broccolini & 1 bunch asparagus)
1 cup of edamame beans (frozen or fresh – not tinned, preferably organic).
1 packet of 100% buckwheat noodles
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil if preferred)
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
Juice of 1 lime

Method
*Marinate the fish for half an hour in a bowel with the maple syrup and half the mustard and soy all mixed together, then coated over the fish.
*Place broccolini in a mixing bowl along with 2 teaspoons of oil, salt and pepper and half the sesame seeds.
*Preheat oven grill to high then place the salmon in a lightly greased oven try and sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds.
*Arrange the broccolini around the salmon on the tray and then grill for 6-8 minutes of highest shelf, until fish is medium rare, & broccolini is just tender.
*Halfway through the cooking, turn the greens once.
*Remove from oven and leave to cool for 5 minutes. *Tip: if the salmon is not quite cooked, place foil over the tray and cook for a few more minutes.
*Boil the edamame beans for a few minutes until warm and cooked.
*Cook the buckwheat noodles for 4 minutes or until cooked, remove from saucepan and run under cold water.
*For the dressing, whisk together the remaining mustard and tamari with the lime juice and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil.
*In a large bowl, break up salmon pieces gently, add the broccolini and edamame beans together with the noodles.
*Drizzle the dressing over the mixture and gently mix together.
*Put in bowls and serve.