Leederville Chiropractic Clinic

25/01/2025

Recently, the FDA in the U.S. banned Red Dye No. 3 (erythrosine) from foods, beverages, and ingested drugs after decades of debate. This decision came after studies linked the dye to cancer in animals, even though it had been banned in U.S. cosmetics since 1990. Red Dye No. 3 was widely used in candies, baked goods, and some medications for its bright cherry-red color, raising awareness of the potential dangers of certain food additives.

In Australia, the story is a bit different. Red Dye No. 3 is only allowed in preserved cherries like maraschino cherries, and even then, it’s tightly controlled (up to 200 mg/kg). It’s not permitted in other foods. That said, there have been reports of the dye showing up in imported lollies, despite these regulations, which highlights how important it is to stay vigilant about what we’re eating.

This isn’t just about food dyes either—other substances raise questions. For example, pesticides like paraquat and atrazine are banned in many European countries due to their severe health and environmental risks, but they’re still used in Australia. It’s a reminder that not all approved substances are truly safe, and we need to stay informed about what goes into our food.

Speaking of change, think about the decades we spent being told to eat fat-free foods and replace animal fats with seed oils. It was supposed to be healthier, but now we know that some seed oils, high in omega-6 fatty acids, might contribute to inflammation and other health issues. Today, there’s a growing appreciation for balanced diets, including healthy fats, ESPECIALLY from animal sources.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What’s one thing you’ve changed in your diet after learning about food additives, dyes, or other hidden ingredients? Have you noticed any improvements?

17/01/2025

☀️ The Benefits of Sunshine for Your Health ☀️

Did you know that spending time in the sun has incredible benefits for your body and mind? 🌞 Sunshine stimulates the production of vitamin D, which is essential for:
✅ Boosting your immune system
✅ Supporting healthy bones and muscles
✅ Helping your body fight off fungi, parasites, and viruses

Vitamin D is also critical for fertility, as it supports hormonal balance and reproductive health. It enhances the immune response, helping your body fend off illnesses more effectively. However, in Australia, our slip-slop-slap policy and constant sunscreen use—while protecting us from harmful UV rays—have led to one of the world's highest rates of vitamin D deficiency. This has significant implications for our population's overall health and well-being.

To get the most out of the sun safely:
🌤️ When to go out: The best time for vitamin D production is mid-morning to mid-afternoon (around 10 AM–3 PM) when the sun is at its strongest.
⏱️ How long: it depends on your skin type and how regularly you expose your skin to sunlight. When your skin starts developing a very slight pinkish tinge, you know you have reached your sunshine-saturation point. Those with darker skin will need more time.

Remember, moderation is key! Too much sun exposure can harm your skin, so always avoid sunburn. If you plan to stay out longer, protect yourself with sunscreen, hats, and shade.

Get outside, soak up the benefits, and let the sunshine brighten your health! 🌞💛

15/01/2025

☀️ Let’s Talk Sunscreen – Because No One Likes to Burn! ☀️

It’s summer, and while we all love a good dose of sunshine, no one’s lining up to deal with sunburn! We’ve grown up with Slip, Slop, Slap – and it’s done a great job keeping our skin healthy and protected. But here’s the catch – too much sun protection can sometimes leave us low on Vitamin D, which plays a huge role in:

Boosting our immune system

Supporting bone health

Regulating mood and mental well-being

Personally, I’ve been working on building my Vitamin D levels and developing a little “sun callus” – you know, that resilience your forearms seem to have where they never burn?

But when it comes to sunscreen, I’ve been diving into the research, and here’s what I’ve learned:

🔹 Two Types of Sunscreen:

1. Chemical Sunscreen – Absorbs UV rays but can contain ingredients like benzene (linked to skin cancer – ironic, right?).

2. Physical Sunscreen – Think zinc oxide – sits on your skin and physically blocks UV rays.

For me (and my family), I’m leaning towards physical sunscreens. They create a barrier without the nasties. If you’re buying sunscreen, take a moment to check the label. Most sunscreens contain chemicals that have raised concerns about potential carcinogenic effects, though more research is often needed to confirm their risks. Some of these chemicals include oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, and octocrylene. These are commonly used as UV filters and may generate harmful byproducts when exposed to sunlight or absorbed into the skin.

At the end of the day, we all want to stay safe while still getting the benefits of the sun. Balance is key – soak up some rays, but protect your skin the right way!

Stay sun-smart, everyone! 🌞

21/05/2024

Highly recommend these morning exercises! Give them a go to feel 10 years younger 😉

If you wake up in the morning feeling tight and stiff, then there are 5 stretches you should be doing every morning. In this video, I am going to show you a ...