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focus AUSTRALIA’S GUIDE TO HEALTHIER LIVING!
Edition 4, 2013
Saffron Nature’s Miracle Spice Importance of Digestive Health Hidden Cause of Thyroid Problems
Build Muscle to Lose Weight
Contain s Rhodio Contala in!s Rhodio la!
SaffroN
Nature’s Miracle Spice to Improve Mood, Memory & Sight
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or centuries our ancestors have used herbs and spices to prevent and treat disease. Unfortunately, with the arrival of mainstream medicine, the popularity of these natural healing agents subsided and was replaced by patented medicines. While some of these medicines have proven to be lifesavers for millions of people it did lead to a reduced interest in natural products as healing agents, particularly in Western countries such as Australia. However, over the past 10 to 15 years there has been renewed interest in natural products for the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Consumers have become increasingly dissatisfied with the side effects of many medicines and the often limited benefits that are achieved from some pharmaceutical drugs. One natural product that has received significant attention by researchers across the world is saffron. Although it has not received the same publicity as
other natural products, research on the benefits of saffron is increasing. Saffron, technically known as Crocus Sativus, is the dried elongated stigmas and styles of the blue-purple saffron flower (Crocus sativus, L.). At a retail price of up to $11,000USD per kilogram it is the world’s most expensive spice. This is because the production of saffron is extremely labour intensive. It is estimated that it takes approximately 150,000 crocus blossoms or 450,000 hand-picked stigmas to produce just one kilogram of this unique spice! Saffron has a characteristic bitterlike taste, pungent, hay-like aroma and luminous red-orange colour, so is often used in fragrances, flavourings, and colouring agents. In traditional medicine, saffron has been used as an anti-convulsive, sedative, aphrodisiac, anti-spasmodic and as a calming agent. Recent studies have in fact confirmed that extracts of saffron have anti-
cancer, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, and anti-platelet effects. These far-reaching effects are because saffron has in excess of 150 healthpromoting compounds.
Modern Clinical Studies on Saffron
Depression Most of the research on saffron has investigated its effects on symptoms of low mood and depression. There have now been at least seven clinical trials on the antidepressant effects of saffron which have all been extremely positive. Saffron is significantly more effective than a placebo, and just as effective as the antidepressants Prozac and Tofranil for the treatment of mild-to-moderate depression. As shown in the following figure, saffron works just as quickly as pharmaceutical antidepressants and just as effectively. www.focus-on.com.au
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Saffron works just as quickly as pharmaceutical antidepressants...”
Change in Depression Scores After 6 Weeks of Treatment Placebo
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Saffron
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Prozac
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Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) Premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, refers to the range of physical and emotional symptoms that many women experience in the lead up to a period (menstruation). It is believed that most menstruating women have premenstrual symptoms, ranging from relatively mild (in 75% of women) to severe (in 20 to 30% of women). In 8 to 20% of women with severe symptoms, PMS is associated with reduced quality of life. Symptoms of PMS can include the following: • Abdominal bloating, fluid retention • Acne • Anxiety • Depression and lowered mood • Difficulties in concentration • Digestive problems, including constipation and diarrhoea • Reduction in sexual desire • Food cravings and increased appetite • Headache and migraine • Hot flushes or sweats • Increased appetite • Irritability, including angry outbursts • Mood swings • Swollen and/ or tender breasts The effect of saffron on PMS symptoms was investigated in one study on women aged between 20 and 45. Over 75% of women on saffron experienced a 4
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reduction in PMS symptoms while only 8% of women on a placebo experienced similar reductions in PMS symptoms. Medication-Induced Sexual Dysfunction Two recent studies have examined the effectiveness of saffron to overcome medication-induced sexual dysfunction in men and women. These people were taking the antidepressant, Prozac, and were experiencing several sexual-related side effects. After 6 weeks of taking saffron, the men in the studies experienced a significant improvement in erectile function and intercourse satisfaction. Normal erectile function was also achieved in 60% of people taking saffron compared to only 7% in those taking a placebo. Results were equally impressive for the women in the studies who experienced positive improvement in sexual arousal and lubrication in addition to a reduction in intercourse pain after 6 weeks of saffron supplementation. Macular degeneration and eye health Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the leading cause of severe vision impairment in people over 40 years of age in Australia. It is characterised by a gradual decline in the ability to see objects clearly, distorted vision, dark or empty spaces blocking the central field of vision, and a dimming of colour vision. The effects of saffron on vision health have been investigated in people with AMD. The volunteers were randomly assigned to take a saffron or placebo supplement over a 3-month period. Those taking saffron experienced significant
improvements in markers associated with macular health and in visual acuity, whereas those on the placebo did not. These people were followed up for over one year and the improvement in eye health continued over this period. Alzheimer’s Disease Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, affecting up to 70% of all people with dementia. Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disease that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually affects the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer’s disease, symptoms first appear after age 60 with increasing age being the biggest risk factor. The benefits of saffron for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease has now been investigated in two separate studies. In one study, 16 weeks of saffron supplementation in people with probable Alzheimer’s disease resulted in significantly better outcomes in cognitive (thinking) function compared to those taking a placebo. In another study, people with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease took either saffron or the dementia-treating drug, Donepezil. After 22-weeks, saffron was found to be just as effective as Donepezil for symptoms of dementia. In addition, those taking Donepezil experienced greater side effects including nausea and vomiting. Saffron is another exciting spice with several health-promoting benefits. It now seems that our ancestors were certainly onto something when they used saffron to prevent and treat disease. While saffron may be the most expensive spice in the world it is actually quite inexpensive to take as a supplement because only a small amount is required to obtain therapeutic benefits (most studies used 30mg/ day). It is certainly recommended that saffron be added to cooking where possible but if you choose to take it on a regular basis, taking it in a capsule form is probably easier. This way you can regulate the amount and purity of the saffron you consume. We recommend BCN’s Saffron Ultra, a high-quality saffron product, delivering equivalent amounts of saffron used in many of the studies described here. fo
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BUILD MUSCLE
to Lose Weight
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f you’re serious about losing weight for summer then one of the best things you can do is focus on increasing your muscle mass! It may seem ironic but building muscle, or at least forcing your body to maintain your muscle mass as you lose weight, can help you achieve amazing results fast! Of course when most people want to lose weight they never consider building muscle as a way to help them burn body fat and lose weight. In fact, most people think that if they use some of the strategies involved in building muscle they will actually put on weight rather than lose it! Whilst it may be possible to put on weight, if you use the principles correctly, you will not only be able to lose weight quickly and keep it off, but even better still, you will end up with a toned, athletic body that you can be proud of!
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Benefits of building muscle for weight loss The benefits of building muscle and increasing strength go far beyond the weight-loss benefits they offer. In fact, two professors from Tufts University in the US, William Evans and Irwin Rosenberg, discussed it in detail in their ground-breaking book, Biomarkers. They discovered that building muscle is one of the best ways to improve your overall health as well as slow down the ageing process! However, when we consider weight loss exclusively, there are several mechanisms through which building muscle can assist weight loss. Speeds up your metabolism Muscle is one of the most metabolicallyactive tissues in the body, particularly when it is recovering and rebuilding after
exercise. This means it burns up a lot of energy and can make it easier for you to create an energy/ calorie deficit and therefore lose weight. One of the major drawbacks of not building muscle when you want to lose weight is the fact that your body will indiscriminately lose both fat and muscle tissue during the weight-loss process. A loss of muscle results in your metabolism slowing down dramatically, making it more difficult to continuously lose weight. Greater fat burning during postworkout cardio In order to build muscle you must stimulate the muscles to grow. And the best way to do that is through resistance exercise; weight training is the best form of resistance exercise. Since resistance exercise tends to be a high-intensity form of exercise your body will use a greater
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proportion of carbohydrate as a fuel source during the session. Therefore, after the workout your body will be in a carbohydrate-depleted state and if you perform some aerobic exercise (cardio) your body will be more likely to use fat as its primary fuel source. This effect can be magnified even further if you use a thermogenic fat burner prior to your workout. XLR8 Thermogenic is a good example. Resistance exercise burns up a lot of calories As mentioned previously, resistance exercise is a high-intensity form of exercise and is essential if your goal is to build muscle. This means it burns up a lot of calories during the exercise session itself. This results in you burning up more calories each day, making it easier to create a calorie/ energy deficit to help you
Building muscle is one of the most effective ways to help you burn off body fat fast.”
burn fat and lose weight. Best way to build muscle to assist weight loss In order to build muscle to assist your weight-loss efforts you must follow each of these steps: 99 Perform a regular resistance exercise routine 99 Consume an adequate amount of protein 99 Ensure you have good-quality sleep each night Perform a regular resistance exercise routine In order to build muscle you must first have a stimulus. Despite what many young guys believe (or are told by the muscle magazines!) you cannot simply take a protein powder or eat more food and build muscle. There needs to first be a stimulus. The human body needs to be forced to adapt and overcome a stress, and in this case the stress is resistance exercise. In order to get results fast it is best to perform a weight training routine 3-6 times a week in conjunction with some aerobic exercise. If you haven’t had much experience with performing weight training then it is always best to employ the services of a personal trainer. They can ensure you perform all of the exercises correctly, as well as help to make your workouts more effective and enjoyable. Consume an adequate amount of protein In order to build muscle you also need to provide your body with the building blocks it needs. This means you must consume an adequate amount of protein each day. Protein comes from a variety of sources including, red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, seeds, beans, and protein powder. It
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is best to have a small portion of protein with every meal throughout the day. An easy way to do this is to add some vanilla protein powder to some milk before putting it on your cereal in the morning. BCN’s ProBlend is a great option. You may also want to have some nuts with a piece of fruit for your midmorning snack, some diced chicken in a salad for lunch, a protein shake made with BCN’s ProBlend in the afternoon, and a small piece of steak and vegetables for dinner. As long as you keep your meal portions small and your overall calorie intake under control, it is impossible to ‘bulk-up’. In fact, in a calorie-deficient state it is almost impossible to build any muscle at all (except perhaps for beginners or people returning to weight training after a break)! Nevertheless, by stimulating muscle growth in your body through weight training and consuming an adequate amount of protein you will be able to force your body to maintain its existing muscle mass whilst you lose weight. This will help to keep your metabolism elevated and ensure the weight you lose comes almost exclusively from your body fat stores. Ensure you have good-quality sleep each night The final step in the muscle-building process is to ensure you get an adequate amount of sleep each night. You see, resistance exercise provides the stimulus for muscle growth, protein provides the building blocks, and goodquality sleep provides the required environment to allow the tissueconstruction process to take place. Each step in the process is essential and missing even one step will stop the muscle-building process in its tracks! There is no doubt that building muscle is one of the most effective ways to help you burn off body fat fast and is probably the most under-estimated way to get results. Therefore, if you’re serious about losing weight and getting in great shape this summer then you must incorporate the three strategies covered here in order to help increase your muscle mass. fo
Your Dairy-Free, Soy-Free, All-Natural Protein Source
The importance of protein in your diet cannot be under-estimated. It is required for building cells, repairing tissues and forming antibodies to combat bacteria and viruses. It is also part of the enzyme and hormonal systems, builds genetic codes, carries oxygen and is involved in muscle activity. Since it is so vitally important we must ensure we have an adequate amount of it each day. However, rather than simply eating more animal products, many people are looking for vegetable-based protein sources in order to increase their protein intake. BCN’s ProBlend Dairy-Free is a great-tasting pea and rice protein blend that contains all of the essential amino acids required by your body. It is a quick, easy, convenient and cheap way to increase your protein intake!
BCN’s ProBlend Dairy-Free is: 4 A high-quality vegetablebased protein 4 Dairy & soy-free 4 Low in fat & carbohydrate
4 Low allergenic 4 Vegan-friendly 4 Free from artificial sweeteners
Available from selected health food stores and pharmacies or online www.bodyconcepts.com.au Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional
Body Concepts Nutritionals
For more information visit www.bodyconcepts.com.au or call 08 9248 6904
The Importance of
Digestive Health
F
ood is essential to our survival. It provides our body with the nutrients it needs for energy, growth and repair. Without food we are likely to die within 3 to 4 weeks, although this varies significantly across individuals and is dependent on a range of factors including body weight, genetics, general health, climate and obviously the presence of water (we can only live for about 3 days without water). While the foods we eat have a major impact on our overall health, how our body converts this food into energy is also crucially important. This is why a healthy digestive system plays a large role in our overall wellbeing. It is often said that we are what we eat, but research now confirms that, ‘we are what we digest, from what we eat.’ Digestive health is so important that when problems occur with our digestive system it may lead to many diseases including cancers, mental health disorders, chronic pain conditions, skin disorders, and even Alzheimer’s disease. About our digestive system Our digestive system is made up of our digestive tract and all of the organs and glands involved in the digestion (breakdown) process, the absorption of nutrients, and the excretion of wastes. 10 www.focus-on.com.au
The digestive tract, also known as the alimentary canal, extends from our mouth to our anus and is approximately 6-9 metres long. Its innermost mucosal lining contains tiny glands at various points along its length that secrete digestive enzymes. These assist with the breakdown of food. Also, the small intestine (a section of the digestive tract) is lined with villi, small finger-like projections, that help to increase the surface area of that part of the digestive system to assist with the absorption of nutrients. The gut also contains around 3-4 kilograms of bacteria. These are essential and offer a range of functions including, improving our digestion, helping produce vitamins, detoxifying chemicals, producing nutrients to repair the gut lining, increasing resistance to infections, and regulating our immune function. The time taken for food to move through the gastrointestinal tract is dependent on many factors, but on average takes around two hours for all of the stomach contents to empty into the intestines following a meal. Finally, transit time through the entire digestive tract takes between 12 and 50 hours and depends on various factors. Why is digestion important? When we consume foods, they almost always need to be broken down into
smaller particles so they can be absorbed and utilised by the body. This essentially defines the process of digestion. Digestion begins in the mouth, when you chew and swallow, and is completed in the small and large intestines. It involves mixing food with digestive juices, moving it through the digestive tract, and breaking down large particles of food into smaller particles. Accordingly, digestion involves several important processes and can be affected by a number of different factors. Some of the common causes of poor digestive health are summarised below: Common causes of poor digestion chewing. Chewing our 1 Inadequate food is the first step in the digestive process. It is also known as mastication and involves the mechanical breakdown of food into smaller particles. Salivary glands in our mouth also contribute to digestion by secreting enzymes that help with the breakdown of food (chemical process). A common contributor to poor digestive health is inadequate chewing, so it is crucially important to chew your food thoroughly. Excessive stress. Our digestive system is greatly influenced by our nervous system, so factors such as stress will influence our digestion. High stress can affect the transit time of food through
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Healthy Essentials THE WAY NATURE INTENDED IT
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our digestive tract and also the ability of our gut to produce the necessary enzymes to breakdown food. Learning to relax while you eat and minimising stress in your life is important for digestive health. Eating the wrong foods. Many of us consume ‘artificial’ foods on a regular basis. These include foods containing artificial colours, additives, sweeteners, flavours, etc. Our bodies are not designed to eat these chemical since they are not naturally occurring in nature. As a result, our digestive health may become compromised, leading to inflammation and general wear and tear of our digestive tract. Some people are also eating foods they are intolerant to which can also be a major cause of poor health. The most common food types that people may have an intolerance to are: gluten-containing foods, nuts and dairy foods. Having a healthy, natural breakfast cereal is a great way to start the day. Pura Veda is a high-quality breakfast cereal that is low GI, gluten-free, nutfree, dairy-free, and high in fibre. Also, it provides a good source of essential fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, and amino acids. Another great addition to your diet is Amazonia’s Raw Multi. It contains a range of nutrients including, essential herbs, seeds, superfoods, veggies, sprouts, spices, sea minerals, live foods, grasses, and roots as well as prebiotics and probiotics to assist in improving your health and vitality.
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Inadequate amount of good bacteria in the gut. Our digestive system contains over 400 different species of micro-organisms. The bacteria comprise of both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ bacteria. A healthy balance of bacteria in the digestive system is essential for digestive health. Probiotics are friendly bacteria and in order for us to maintain a healthy digestive system we need to ensure that we have lots of ‘good’ bacteria. These friendly bacteria have a range of essential functions when it comes to improving our digestive health (mentioned earlier). They are also needed to prevent the
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overgrowth of bad bacteria. To promote a good balance of bacteria in the digestive tract we need to ensure we eat good-quality, natural foods, plenty of high-fibre foods, and minimise our use of medications, particularly antibiotics. Taking a high-quality prebiotic (foods that promote good bacteria growth) is also important. BCN’s Gastro Forte contains arabinogalactans, a prebiotic which is effective in providing food for good bacteria.
been properly digested). This may result in an immune system ‘over-reaction’, which may then lead to an auto-immune condition. A leaky gut can also be detrimental to our health since it places excessive strain on various organs of our body. To reduce inflammation and treat a leaky gut, you must eat ‘real’ foods, avoid foods you may be intolerant to (e.g., gluten-containing foods), and implement all the suggestions provided here. Also, BCN’s DigestEZE may be
Having a healthy, natural breakfast cereal is a great way to start the day.”
Another good option is to take a high-quality probiotic supplement. Be careful though as not all probiotics are the same. You need to ensure the probiotics are ‘alive’ and the product contains a large number and range of good bacteria strains. Healthy Essentials Broad Spectrum Probiotic is a highquality probiotic that contains 33 billion organisms per capsule! Gut inflammation. Eating a nutrient-sparse, artificially-based diet will inflame the gut and negatively affect digestion. It can eventually lead to a condition known as ‘leaky gut’ (a condition where larger food particles get into the bloodstream before they have
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beneficial for you if you’re suffering with gut issues. It can help soothe the gut lining, assist with gut healing, reduce inflammation in the gut, and provide food for the good bacteria so they can flourish. It is one of the best overall gut products to improve digestive health. Poor digestion is an often overlooked cause of ill-health and is associated with several commonly encountered health conditions. It can also affect energy levels and general mood. That is why optimising your digestion is so important. By implementing the suggestions here you will be amazed at the positive changes that can occur to your overall health and well-being. fo
NATURALLY DELICIOUS CEREAL. Great as a quick and healthy breakfast, or added to your lunch for an afternoon energy boost. ALL-NATURAL • LOW GI • GLUTEN-FREE WHEAT-FREE • NUT-FREE • DAIRY-FREE VEGAN • HIGH FIBRE • CHIA ENERGY Available in a health food store near you, speciality stores and select supermarkets Australia-wide.
GOOD FATTY ACIDS Omega 3 & 6
VITAL MINERALS Calcium/Iron/Magnesium/Sodium/Zinc Copper
NECESSARY VITAMINS A/C/E/K/B6/Thiamin/Riboflavin/Niacin/Folate
ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS
Tryptophan/Theronine/Isuleucine/Leucine/Lysine/Methionine/Phenylaline/Valine
Pura Veda is a wholesome, nutritious food source filled with wholesome unprocessed and uncut seeds. Packed with vitamins, minerals and essential omega 3's and 6's and sweetened with the natural goodness of sun dried raisins. Pura Veda contains no added sugars, salts or fats. Free from preservatives, additives, flavourings and genetic modifications, it makes a tasty, nutritious and natural alternative to the commercial
Pura Veda is a product from Conscious Foods and is available for purchase, along with our entire range at
consciousfoods.com.au
cereals found on supermarket shelves. Pura Veda not only provides a great source of protein and fibre, it also helps to cleanse and revitalise our bodies and in conjunction with a nutritionally balanced
CONSCIOUS FOODS WA PTY LTD
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(08) 9447 0145
adminwa@consciousfoods.com.au
Reverse T3 Dominance
T
hyroid problems affect a large and ever-growing number of Australians with estimates suggesting that around 10% of the population have some form of thyroid problem. Furthermore, the prevalence of thyroid disorders tends to increase with advancing age and since we have an ageing population it is highly likely that the incidence of thyroid conditions will increase significantly in the coming years. It is also interesting to note that thyroid problems are far more common in women than men with the incidence being about five to ten times more frequent. However, the reason for this remains unknown. Thyroid Hormones The thyroid gland secretes two thyroid hormones, thyroxine (T4) and tri-iodothyronine (T3). In a healthy thyroid gland, about 80% of all produced thyroid hormone is T4, while the remaining 20% consists of T3. Circulating T4 can also get converted into either T3 or its inactive form known as reverse T3 (rT3). (See Diagram 1.) This conversion occurs primarily in the liver and kidneys. Thyroid hormones are essential in maintaining and regulating the body’s metabolism. T3 is the most active of the thyroid hormones while T4 is considered a precursor to T3 (i.e., its main job is to get converted into T3). T4 can also get converted into rT3 which is considered an inactive form of thyroid hormone, having only 1% the activity of T3. It acts like a metabolic ‘brake’, slowing down metabolism and cellular functioning. Under normal circumstances only a small amount of rT3 is produced in the body, however, in some situations an excessive amount of rT3 can be produced. This is a condition known as reverse T3 dominance. 14 www.focus-on.com.au
The Hidden Cause of Thyroid Problems!
CHC42143-08/11
thyroid hormone) and a high level of rT3 (reverse T3, ‘inactive’ thyroid hormone).
Problems with thyroid testing Many people who suffer with symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland (see table below) will often visit their doctor and only have their TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) level tested. While TSH levels can provide an indication of thyroid health, when it is measured in isolation it doesn’t provide
Causes of Reverse T3 Dominance There are many possible causes of rT3 dominance, with the major cause being stress. High stress levels cause an increase in circulating levels of the hormone, cortisol. Cortisol has the effect of blocking the conversion of T4 into T3, resulting in greater conversion into rT3. Other causes of reverse T3 dominance include: inflammation in the body, extreme dieting, nutrient deficiencies (iron, selenium, zinc, chromium, vitamins B6 and B12), leptin resistance, oxidative stress (an overload of free radicals), insulin resistance, excessive alcohol consumption, liver and/ or kidney disease, and high levels of heavy metals in the body.
Symptoms of Reverse T3 Dominance • Depression • Dry skin • Hair loss • Hoarseness • Poor concentration • Nervousness • Elevated cholesterol • Brittle nails • Muscle cramps • Muscle weakness • Poor memory • Puffy eyes • Throat pain • Low basal temperature • Irritability
• “Normal” thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) results • Weight gain / inability to lose weight • Fatigue • Poor eyebrow growth, especially the outer third of the eyebrows • Menstrual abnormalities • Cold hands and feet • Constipation
Treatment Options for Reverse T3 Dominance In order to overcome rT3 dominance it is important to not rely solely on conventional thyroid medication to treat low thyroid symptoms. Thyroid hormone is just thyroxine (T4), and as stated already, if someone is suffering from rT3 dominance it just gets converted into more rT3. This is like adding fuel to a fire, placing a further brake on metabolism. The best approach is to address the cause(s) of the problem. This means dealing with why the enzyme responsible for converting T4 into T3 isn’t functioning properly in the first place. Oftentimes it is caused by stress and/ or nutrient deficiencies. If stress is the cause then the best approach is to try and avoid or minimise
a complete picture of a person’s thyroid status. It is quite possible that a person who presents with some of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland may have a normal level of TSH! This is why further, more comprehensive testing is often helpful. It is possible that in some cases where people have low thyroid symptoms they may have a normal level of TSH and T4 (Thyroxine, ‘inactive’ thyroid hormone), but have a relatively low-to-normal level of T3 (tri-iodothyronine, ‘active’
focus focusonfocuson fR AUSTRALIA’S GUIDE TO HEALTHIER LIVING! E
PLus: • Dangers FREofEa Leaky GutLS ICA RAD • Inflammation & YOuR and YourLTH Thyroid
Is Stress Making You
fAT?
The Power of Protein
Top 7 Natural
ANTI-AGEING
QuIcK WAys 5 16 www.focus-on.com.au TO LOSE WEIGHT
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INFLaMMaTIO aNd dIsEas N RELaTIONsHIE P
Get Bikini Read y
7 da
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Truth about Cholesterol Lowering Medications
to cHoLEstERoL NAtuRALLy
HEALTH!
LIV ING !
Edition 4, 2011
Edition 2, 2012
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Dangers h of spiceHig up Your cortisol
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Is Your Thyroid Making You Fat?
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It is best to deal with the cause(s) of your thyroid problem rather than just addressing the symptoms.” stress levels or use strategies to help your body deal with the stress more effectively. This may include using relaxation techniques, performing breathing exercises, meditation, getting adequate sleep, moderate exercise or by using stress-relieving herbs, like Rhodiola rosea, which is available in BCN’s Rhodiola Advanced. If the cause of rT3 dominance is nutrient deficiencies then eating a balanced diet and including foods in your diet that provides all of the required nutrients is essential. In addition, you can take BCN’s Thyron. It contains all of the required nutrients for optimum thyroid functioning. If the problem of reverse T3 dominance persists, even after taking the aforementioned steps, then see your health practitioner about conducting further tests to find out if one of the other causes is a problem for you. fo
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Product REVIEWS
Pura Veda Pura Veda is a wholesome, nutritious, high-protein food source filled with unprocessed, uncut seeds and grains. It is packed with vitamins, minerals and Omega 3s and 6s. Pura Veda is sweetened with the natural goodness of sun dried raisins and contains no added sugars, salts or fats. It is free from gluten, yeast, wheat, nuts, preservatives, additives, flavourings and genetic modifications. Pura Veda is a high fibre, low GI food and may be used as a delicious breakfast cereal, on salads or on its own.
SuperFood Blend Our bodies are constantly being bombarded by free radicals every day. The foods we eat, the water we drink and the air we breathe all contain free radicals or at least contain chemicals that generate free radicals in our body. Antioxidants are free radical scavengers that go around the body and ‘mop up’ free radicals, preventing them from damaging body cells. BCN’s SuperFood Blend contains a concentrated blend of 19 powerful ‘Superfoods’ all carefully selected to provide your body with a wide range of antioxidants and phytonutrients (nutrients from plants). Broad Spectrum Probiotic Healthy Essentials’ Broad Spectrum Probiotic has 6 strains, 33 billion organisms and a prebiotic. Formulated using freeze dried form bacteria for a more stable product that does not require refrigeration. Contains clinically proven strains to assist with the symptomatic relief of IBS, bloating and flatulence. Recommended for restoring the levels of friendly bacteria after taking a course of antibiotics. Taken daily may help maintain a healthy digestive and immune system. Available exclusively from Health Food stores in 30, 60 & 90 vege-caps.
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Raw Multi Raw, whole nutrition is the foundation for vitality and healing of the body. This is the inspiration behind Amazonia’s new Raw Multi, which has been created to provide the body with living, nutrient-dense, functional foods. The formula combines a full colour spectrum of essential herbs, seeds, superfoods, veggies, sprouts, spices, sea minerals, live foods, grasses, roots, chlorophyll, berries and 13 strains of prebiotics and probiotics. Best of all, it’s 100% natural and tastes great! Gastro Forte AG BCN’s Gastro Forte AG contains a prebiotic, soluble fibre called Arabinogalactins, which is derived from the Western Larch tree. It is a potent prebiotic and has been shown to have enormous benefits in supporting the immune system. Gastro Forte AG mixes easily in water or juice or may be added to food. It may also be better tolerated than other dietary fibres.
MultiSpice Spices offer an amazing array of health benefits, making them an essential part of your daily diet. However, not everyone can consume a range of spices every day, which means they aren’t able to receive the disease-preventing and health-promoting benefits they offer. BCN’s MultiSpice however, provides 5 organic spices in an easy-to-use vege capsule, which means that taking a range of healthboosting spices every day is now easier than ever!
‘Do YOU Suffer From the Discomfort of Irritable Bowel Syndrome?’
If so, BCN’s DigestEZE may help! The health of our gut plays such an important role when it comes to the health of our body. BCN’s DigestEZE is a comprehensive formula that supports gastro-intestinal health. It contains a blend of ingredients, which can provide you with relief from bloating, abdominal pain, cramping and the discomfort associated with medically-diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome.
4 Provides relief from the symptoms of medically-diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome
4 Supports gastro-intestinal health 4 Soothes the gastro-intestinal tract 4 Aids in the maintenance and repair of mucous membranes * IBS must be medically diagnosed
Available from selected health food stores and pharmacies or online www.bodyconcepts.com.au Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare professional.
Body Concepts Nutritionals
For more information visit www.bodyconcepts.com.au or call 08 9248 6904
Weight LOSS TIPS! The truth about Garcinia Cambogia Garcinia Cambogia is touted as being the ‘new’ weight-loss wonder supplement, but does the research support the hype surrounding it, or is it likely to become another statistic in the weight-loss supplement graveyard? After reviewing the research conducted on it so far it appears that there is little benefit for humans with regards to weight loss! All the human studies conducted provide mixed results with most finding no change in body weight or body fat levels. A couple of studies did note a very modest weight loss improvement above the placebo (i.e. 1.2kg greater weight loss over 12 weeks, 100g a week!). However, most studies found that there was no difference between the placebo group and the treatment group! Other studies showed that Garcinia Cambogia does not promote greater fat burning or increase energy expenditure (speed up metabolism). One study found that it worked better when used in combination with other active ingredients. More research definitely needs to be conducted on this compound before any conclusions regarding weight loss can be made, but at this stage you’re better off spending your money on weight-loss supplements that have been proven to work! 20 www.focus-on.com.au
Green tea- a proven weight-loss performer! Green tea continues to prove itself as a great fat-burning and weight-loss compound with an ever-growing body of research to back up its effectiveness. Its benefits appear to come from several of its active ingredients, collectively known as catechins. These catechins promote fat oxidation in the body as well as boost metabolic rate. Some studies show it may even improve insulin sensitivity, which may indirectly improve weight-loss efforts as well. Green tea is a component of BCN’s XLR8 Thermogenic, one of the most effective fat-burning products on the market today.
Drinking water for weight loss A common recommendation in the fitness industry is to drink plenty of water to assist weight loss. However, until recently there was very little evidence to support this recommendation. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research has shown that drinking 500mls of water 30 minutes prior to each of your main meals helps to lose weight, lower Body Mass Index (BMI), and reduce subcutaneous fat levels.
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Live nutrition your body needs.
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80+ raw & natural ingredients 89% of ingredients are Certified Organic Sprouts, seeds & natural herbs Pre-Probiotics, digestive enzymes Free of wheat, dairy, eggs, corn, lactose, gluten & GMOs Nothing artificial or synthetic Suitable for children Australian-made
So much more than just a multi, our Raw formula encompasses a full array of live ingredients needed for optimal health. Combining a full colour spectrum of essential herbs, seeds, superfoods, veggies, sprouts, spices, 13 strains of Pre-Probiotics, sea minerals, live foods, grasses, roots, chlorophyll and berries, Amazonia’s Raw multi is the most comprehensive live formula on the market.
Available from most health food stores.
pre-probiotics
amazonia.com.au
multi
energy
protein isolate
greens
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The complete new Raw range
Health Facts! Effects of tea consumption on attention and mood Researchers from Holland have recently reviewed the studies conducted on the acute effects of tea, more specifically the ingredients theanine and caffeine, with regards to attention and mood. They concluded that tea consumption does increase alertness and arousal in addition to improving work performance and creativity. Theanine is contained in BCN’s Tranquil Mind and 2 capsules has the equivalent theanine content of more than 25 cups of green tea!
Turmeric reduces the free radicals produced during exercise A recent study conducted in Japan has found that supplementing with a turmeric supplement pre-exercise has the effect of reducing the free radicals produced from the exercise session. This is a significant finding and means that recovery from exercise may be much faster if people take a turmeric supplement before any training session or game of sport. BCN’s Relieve Turmeric Forte and InflammaCALM both contain highly absorbable forms of turmeric. Cinnamon may improve fertility A small study presented at the International Federation of Fertility Societies and American Society for Reproductive Medicine found that women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), a relatively common condition that affects menstrual cycles and fertility, were able to improve their fertility by using a cinnamon supplement. The study found that the women taking the cinnamon supplement had twice the number of menstrual cycles compared to the placebo group over a period of 6 months. Even though there were only 11 women using the cinnamon supplement, two of the women in the group became pregnant within 3 months! Cinnamon is well-known to improve insulin resistance, which is a common problem associated with PCOS. Cinnamon is one of the 5 spices found in BCN’s MultiSpice product.
Is krill oil really better than fish oil? Studies have shown that krill oil provides the same benefits as fish oil with regards to serum lipids, oxidative stress, and inflammation, but at a lower dose. It appears that 40% less krill oil is required compared to fish oil in order to obtain these benefits. However, when the cost and level of active ingredients (EPA and DHA) are taken into consideration it appears that fish oil may be the better option! For example, a krill oil product and a fish oil product from the same company were compared. The krill oil product cost $29.95 for 30, 1,000mg capsules with each capsule containing 140mg of EPA and 70mg of DHA. The fish oil, on the other hand, cost $14.95 for 400 capsules with each capsule containing 180mg of EPA and 120mg of DHA. This means each capsule of krill oil costs just under $1.00 and each capsule of fish oil costs around 3.7 cents! Therefore, not only is fish oil significantly cheaper, but it also provides higher levels of the active ingredients! So even if krill oil is 1.5 times better than fish oil at equivalent dosages, fish oil is 27 times cheaper with a higher level of active ingredients per capsule, making it a far better option. 22 www.focus-on.com.au
Feeling Tense? Mind Racing?
BCN’s Tranquil Mind May Help to Relieve Nervous Tension and Mild Anxiety! BCN’s Tranquil Mind contains the amino acid theanine, derived from Green Tea. Theanine may have a relaxing effect on the mind and help relieve nervous tension and mild anxiety. Theanine may also help with sleep and green tea is a potent antioxidant that may assist with the body’s antioxidant defences Contain s Theanin e
BCN’s Tranquil Mind may help to: Relieve nervous tension and mild anxiety Induce relaxation Relax the mind Improve sleep Assist with the body’s antioxidant defences
Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner. Available from selected health food stores and pharmacies or online www.bodyconcepts.com.au
For more information visit www.bodyconcepts.com.au or call 08 9248 6904
CHC43032-05/13
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Suffering from mood swings? Want to maintain a positive, healthy mood?
BCN’s Saffron Ultra May Help to Maintain a Positive, Healthy Mood and May Relieve Mood Swings! Saffron has a long history of use as a medicine and has traditionally been used in Persian herbal medicine as a calming agent. Saffron may help maintain wellbeing and a positive, healthy mood, and assist in the management of mood swings. It may also be beneficial during times of stress and may help promote mood balance. Saffron may also be used as an eye formula to support healthy eye function.
BCN’s Saffron Ultra may help to: 4 4 4 4
Maintain a positive and healthy mood Assist in the management of mood swings Support healthy eye function Relieve stress
Use only as directed. If symptoms persist consult your healthcare practitioner. Available from selected health food stores and pharmacies or online www.bodyconcepts.com.au
For more information visit www.bodyconcepts.com.au or call 08 9248 6904