When to Say That Detox Diet Guide on Cleansing Your Body Is Safe

A detox diet may sound very reassuring for it is a fact that toxics are bad for the health of a person. These diets however encourage you to eat foods that are natural which involves lots of veggies and water. Well, you can also add all the stuff that is good for your body.  You could even hear news about celebrities having detox diets as well as those people who are subjected to alcohol or drug rehabs and are detoxifying themselves. So, you would really ask if detox diets are safe.

The answer is dependent on who is going to utilize such type of diet. Detox diets like many fad diets can later on display side effects that are harmful especially for teenagers.

To avoid misconception, you need to understand the lingo. Toxins are poisons or chemicals that have harmful side effects on your body. It could come from water or food, chemicals used for growing or preparing food, and from the air that you breathe. These toxins are processed in kidneys and liver eliminating it in the forms of urine, feces, and sweat.

Most people who are supporting detox diets are saying that dehydration or emotional stress is the cause why toxins do not leave the body properly during wastes elimination. Instead, these toxins are just hanging around the digestive system, gastrointestinal systems, lymph, skin, and hair. Even detox diet’s proponents said that these toxins are the promoters of problems such as headaches, tiredness, acne, and nausea.

So you must understand that basic idea behind a detox diet is to give up temporarily the foods that are known to have toxins. It is a means of purifying and purging your body from all bad stuff. Detox diets may also vary however most of it is involved in several versions of displaying fast results. You need to give up foods within a few days, then after that, gradually reintroducing a particular food in your diet. Lots of detox diets also encourages you to go through colonic irrigation or enema to clean up your colon. The enema washes out your colon and rectum using water. But then others still recommend taking herbal supplements during the purification procedure.

There lots of available detox diets anywhere. There are also many Types and ways of doing it. Typically, it involves one or two days of complete liquid diet. For the succeeding four to five days, add brown rice, steamed vegetables, and fruit that are all organic to your diet is advised. After one week of eating these foods, you will then gradually introduce certain foods except for wheat, red meat, eggs, sugar, and junk food in your diet.

People who are having their detox diets are advised to chew up their foods thoroughly, drink only very little amount of water while eating, and relax before eating. It is much better if you add one glass of lemon juice in every meal.

There can be numerous claims made about the effects of detox diets on a person. It can prevent and cure diseases to give you extra energy so that you stay clear-headed and focused. Well, anyone who prefers low-fat but high fiber diets will probably feel much better and more healthy. But no matter what good things detox diets proponents said, still it is up to you to decide whether to try it or not for your own safety. It is because there is no scientific evidence that these diets get rid of body toxins faster or if the elimination of it can make you more healthy and energetic.

Wisdom Tooth

This morning, I woke up to a very horrible pain.. and the throbbing felt like shit. It was the first time I had wished someone would punch me on the mandible, extracting the tooth upon impact. I tried chewing for ginger for a while, but it only helped for an hour or two.. It came back after I have had my lunch and the damn thing was nastier than ever as if mocking me of my effort to neutralize the pain. 

Fortunately for me, my new colleague at work (this guy is a seasoned naturopath) was kind enough to buy for me a 'clove oil preparation'. As far as I could remember, I knew that clove oil was used to numb the pain (by combining grinded clove mixed with vegetable oil and dabbed onto cotton wool then inserted in the mouth.  But now all these lengthy methods can be replaced by using this decent, affordable and handy preparation. for only $2.50.

This is somehow an old method revived.  But still, The best way to stop the pain is to visit the dentist and have it treated once and for all. Bear in mind that this is just a temporary treatment to help you endure the pain as you make your way to the dentist.

Natural Toothache Remedies - A naturopath's view

Not many people are aware of the fact that several herbs can be used in the relief of toothache pain. Natural herbs such as cloves, calendula, tarragon, and yarrow can be used to help relieve th pain until you can get to the dentist. For many years, different cultures have counted on herbs to help get the pain of a toothache control and get temporary relief.

Native Americans for example, used the inner bark found in the butternut tree to their gums to get relief from toothaches. The butternut tree is found in North America, and is also the cousin of the black walnut tree. Butternut trees are found along rivers in well drained soil, rich woods, and even in back yards. Once the tree matures, it can reach heights of up to 60 feet, with the bark being light grey in color, and the leaves and the fruit resembling the black walnut tree. The bark of the tree can be applied to the gums, helping to alleviate toothache pain.  

Yarrow on the other hand, can be found in Asia, Europe, and North America. It normally grows wild in meadows, fields, and in open wood lands. The root of yarrow, is what contains the anaesthetic effect. If you apply the fresh root of yarrow to your tooth or gums, it will help to stop the pain - until you can get an appointment with the dentist and get it taken care of.

The herb known as clove is an evergreen tree, native to tropical areas. These days however, it can be found throughout the world. As many already know, the dried flower bud of clove is what contains the medicine. The oil from clove, when used on a toothache, will help to stop the pain almost immediately. If you compare cloves to other natural toothache remedies, you’ll find clove to be the best.

For many years, natural herbs have been used to stop toothache pain. Hundreds of years ago, herbs were the only way to stop the pain. Dentists were just starting to come around, although they didn’t have near the equipment and sophistication that they have these days. Even though teeth were pulled during these times, it normally happened with alcohol to numb the pain then pliers to remove the tooth.

Throughout the course of time, herbs have proven to be very effective with stopping toothache pain. If you are interested in herbs or have any questions about them, you shouldn’t hesitate to ask your dentist his opinion. Some Dentists know herbs, and perhaps should be able to recommend natural remedies to you if you request them. The next time you experience the pain of a toothache - you should always remember that herbs are a great way to relieve the pain.

A Close Look At Wisdom Tooth

Also known as the third set of molars, the wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth in the mouth to erupt, which normally happens around the ages of 17 - 25 (though I am having it at 31 as of now). For many years, there has been a lot of controversy as to the need to remove these teeth. If the teeth don’t cause any harm or pain, they are normally fine to stay in place. If they present a bad position or cause you a lot of pain or discomfort, they will need to be removed.

When the wisdom teeth/tooth first comes in, they will sometimes be impacted. Impacted teeth will normally need to be extracted. Sometimes they can be pulled, although in most cases they need to be cut out by a qualified surgeon. When the time comes, to have your wisdom teeth extracted, you’ll need to go to an oral surgeon and have a consultation first. This is the inevitable process of life. Being in pain was one thing, but I was more worried of the price.

I was told by my dentist friend, during a typical consultation, the dentist at times will take a few x-rays if need be. He will go over the results with the patient, take a look at the mouth, then tell he patient what the options are. If he is going to pull or cut out the teeth, the patient wi’ll have the option of using local anaesthesia or going with an IV sedation. An IV sedation is the preferred way to have wisdom teeth extracted, as the patient will be so relaxed he won’t know what is going on. If say, one decides to just use local anaesthesia, he will be fully made aware of the procedure. One might also hear the popping and cracking involved, which can make some patients feel quite uncomfortable (gee...).Depending on the shape, size, and the formation of the wisdom teeth, the removal process can vary from easy to hard. If the root tips have managed to wrap themselves around the bone, the removal process can be very time consuming and quite painful. Once the extractions have been completed, there is normally little to no swelling involved. The dentist will prescribe some pain medicine, to consume as soon as you arrive home. I bet If you are going to use IV sedation, you’'ll need to someone to accompany you, as you won’t be able to drive home. My professor did warn me about ignoring tooth issues and the dangers that co-relate with general well being of many organs. I guess I'll blog about it some other time then.

In the mean time now, I will be seeking my office managers' help to book an appointment for me. This is something way beyond my scope of knowledge. I dont think the clove oil drops can last forever. Like the Malay and Indonesian Idiom describes it to be, "Biar sakit hati, jangan sakit gigi"- Better off with heart pain (emotionally) than teeth pain. This is so apt, and as if it wasn't enough of a torture, the current top hit song on the radio as I am typing this entry "Sakitnya tuh disini". Bleah~

Dr Hadinata

Health Benefits of Onions

There are plenty of health benefits from onions so if you enjoy them to snack on or to cook with feel free to continue doing so. There are various types of antioxidants found in onions that can help to boost your immune system. Some research has shown they also help to fight against diabetes, heart disease, and some types of cancers (effective in inhibiting liver and colon cancer cell growth)(1). Onions contain large amounts of chromium and Vitamin C that your body needs as well.

There are several different types of onions. White and yellow onions are round in shape. Green onions are long and thin. Yet most of it will be thrown away. It is only the white part at the bottom that you will use for eating. All types of onions grow in the grown from bulbs. You may not realize it but an onion is classified as a type of vegetable.

In recent studies, individuals with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels have been able to substantially reduce those numbers. All they did was add onions to their diet daily for thirty days. Of course there is some controversy about the validity of such test results. This is due to some individuals making other changes too (perhaps) that could account for their blood pressure and cholesterol dropping

One of the most recent finds as to the health benefits of onions is for women. They often suffer from osteoporosis due to not enough calcium as they get older. There have been tests to show that consuming onions can help a woman to offset the effects of osteoporosis (2).

In some cultures, onions are a staple in a type of broth. This is served to those that have suffered from malnutrition. It is also given to those that are in the process of recovering from severe illnesses or broken bones. They believe there are properties in onions that will help to promote the healing process.

In the early days, onions were given to individuals with colds, bronchitis, and even asthma (folk medicine) . Many people still believe in these home remedies and they use them instead of buying over the counter medications or prescription drugs. It may sound silly to some people but for those that have gotten benefits it is the only method they will use.

Some of the various health benefits of onions have yet to be proven.Then again, there has been plenty of other research done that shows onions can help a person to stay healthy. They are also very low in calories so they can be a delicious treat. Yet many people find it strange to simply eat onions on there own. They definitely love them in various ways though such as dipped in batter and fried to make onion rings.

Simply said, onion is a vegetable that is both delicious and is good for you. Therefore you should be eating it as you wish without any worries about it. One of the reasons why individuals may be hesitant to consume onions though is that smell. It can leave their breath with a very powerful smell. For those that have to go back to the office after lunch or that are out on a date it can be embarrassing. Yet if you have the chance to rinse your mouth and to floss after eating onions you won’t have that smell lingering. Well that can be dealt with breath mints.

further reading :

(1) Cornell researchers find some onions do indeed have excellent anti-cancer benefits - http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2004/10/some-onions-have-excellent-anti-cancer-benefits

(2) Garlic and Onion Attenuates Vascular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Fructose-Fed Rats - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3163016/

Acid and alkaline foods in the pH miracle diet.

I was asked many times over and over again about why the treatment protocol in my clinic has placed a large emphasis on maintaining alkalinity in the body. Some even asked about the validity of such "ideas". I cant comment so much about the research available, seriously its just too many of them to give a damn.. but I will try to write to the best of my ability about it. The science I am about to present to you is quite common sense. 

The main concept behind the pH miracle diet is to maintain a balance of pH in the foods that you eat. The human body is slightly alkaline and therefore it is better for your health to eat a diet composed of alkalizing foods. When you eat too many acidic foods, your system becomes unbalanced and it can cause a whole host of problems, including weight gain, poor concentration, fatigue and depressed immunity that can lead to more serious conditions.

The pH miracle diet relies on lists of foods that are acidic (to be avoided) and alkalizing (to be emphasized). The alkalizing foods are better for your health and help to balance the pH of your body. While acid, alkaline and pH are common terms, many people do not understand exactly what they mean and what they have to do with nutrition and health.

The word “basic” comes from the Greek word “basis” which means foundation. “Basic” relates to the properties of acidity and alkalinity. These conditions are determined at the foundation of the cells that the foods are made up of. So an external treatment does not change a food from acid to alkaline. Foods are acid or alkaline at their base, or foundation.

Acid and alkaline are chemical opposites. Whenever these bases interact with acids, there is a struggle between them and salt is the result. In the chemist’s lab, these interactions are very simple and straightforward. However, in our bodies, the interaction becomes more complex because of the scale at which acids and bases meet.

However, science can make some generalizations about the effects of acids and alkaline in the human digestion system. Acidic foods are acid forming in the human body. They make blood, lymph and saliva more acid and cause a lower pH number. Alkaline foods make blood, lymph and saliva more alkaline and cause a higher pH number.

Just for the sake of reference, the “normal” range for saliva pH is between 7.3 and 7.4. Most people, however, are too acidic and have a pH that is much lower. They are burned out, tired and their bodies are starving for balance. Under the influence of acidic foods the muscles fatigue easily. You literally slow down because your body cannot produce the same physical results as before.

The free radical oxidation that occurs when you eat acidic foods makes you age faster. Vitamins and minerals are not absorbed as readily. Friendly bacteria in the small intestine die, which puts the digestive system off balance. Further hurting the function of the intestine is the fact that a high level of acidity inhibits the ability for intestinal walls to absorb nutrients. Cells become stressed with the toxins that build up and cannot remove them. The vast majority of bodily systems cannot run at full capacity.

On the other hand, alkaline foods have a wide variety of benefits to your health. Eating them improves your muscle output. They also have antioxidant effects in the body. They increase assimilation at the cellular level and allow cells to operate in the manner that they should. There is a reduction of parasites and yeast overgrowth with the use of alkaline foods. Alkaline foods promote deeper and more restful sleep, more youthful skin and relieve suffering from colds, headaches and the flu. Alkaline foods promote abundant physical energy.

Perhaps the most important differences between acid and alkaline foods are their relationship to cancer. Cancerous tissues are acidic, and health tissues are alkaline. When oxygen enters an acidic solution it combines with hydrogen ions can form water. Oxygen helps to neutralize the acid, but acid prevents oxygen from reaching tissues where it is needed. When oxygen enters an alkaline solution, the two hydroxyl ions combine with the solution to create one water molecule and one oxygen atom. The sole oxygen atom is free to go to the next cell and bring the benefits of oxygen to all of the tissue in the body. At a pH of slightly above 7.4, cancer cells become dormant. Studies show that at pH 8.5, cancer cells die and healthy cells live.

Alkalizing the diet has many benefits, in addition to cancer prevention. The alkaline food list is a selection of choices that will benefit your health when you start incorporating them into your body.

Alkaline diets may result in a number of health benefits as outlined below (1) 

1. Increased fruits and vegetables in an alkaline diet would improve the K/Na ratio and may benefit bone health, reduce muscle wasting, as well as mitigate other chronic diseases such as hypertension and strokes.
2. The resultant increase in growth hormone with an alkaline diet may improve many outcomes from cardiovascular health to memory and cognition.
3. An increase in intracellular magnesium, which is required for the function of many enzyme systems, is another added benefit of the alkaline diet. Available magnesium, which is required to activate vitamin D, would result in numerous added benefits in the vitamin D apocrine/exocrine systems.
4. Alkalinity may result in added benefit for some chemotherapeutic agents that require a higher pH .

Regards

Dr Hadinata

Sources : (1) The Alkaline Diet: Is There Evidence That an Alkaline pH Diet Benefits Health?- by  Gerry K. Schwalfenberg http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3195546/

Eczema

What is Eczema?

Eczema, clinically known as dermatitis is a broad description of skin conditions that manifests itself as skin dryness itchyness, redness, swelling, oozing and bleeding.  Discoloration on the skin may sometimes be seen however, Dermatitis symptomps vary with all different forms of the conditions.It can both be acute and chronic.

Eczema is commonly attributed to an autoimmune condition which is triggered by allergies to some food. The true cause of Eczema is not fully understood clinically yet (1) but is normally managed and eventually tackled by improving the Digestive System - Supplements, changing diets.  Although seemingly a superficial problem, Eczema according to naturopathy is associated with the weakness of the liver and Digestive system. Most often a person with Eczema has leaky gut issues of which is often overlooked. When the gut is leaky, food particles tend to not be absorbed - and in turn, trigger allergies (IgE based allergic reation) (2). This will be discussed further in another article. Improving the terrain of the gut helps in managing allergies. There is also some other factors like candidaisis etc (3).  

Foods to avoid that are likely to cause Eczema

Processed foods: which can make eczema worse.

Foods Intolerances: Avoid any potential allergens (If you know of any), some common allergen foods include: gluten, dairy, shellfish, or peanuts.

Margarine and other non-essential fats - These fats can interfere with the absorption of essential fats critical for healing.

Sugar :Increases inflammation and reduces immune function.
Fried foods: Can increase inflammation surely.

It makes sense to avoid these food for the mean time for about -1 to 3 month. Supplements like Digestive Enzymes, Probiotics, Liver Supplements and cocoa butter for topical cream can help you in the long run.

Regards
Dr. Hadnata


sources:
(1) Kim, BS (21 January 2014). Fritsch, P; Vinson, RP; Perry, V; Quirk, CM; James, WD, ed. "Atopic Dermatitis". Medscape Reference. WebMD. Retrieved 3 March 2014.

(2) Dr Patrick Holford - 'Improve your Digestion' pg.23

(3) Candida albicans and atopic dermatitis - http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8319131

If— BY RUDYARD KIPLING

 I would like to share this poetry given to me by my Professor Bill Youngson to his fellow students all over the world. In it, contains some deep insight on life in general and dealing with the 'internal enemy' as a student.

If—
BY RUDYARD KIPLING
(‘Brother Square-Toes’—Rewards and Fairies)

If you can keep your head when all about you
    Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
    But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
    Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,
    And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;
    If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
    And treat those two impostors just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
    Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
    And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
    And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
    And never breathe a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
    To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
    Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
    Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
    If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
    With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
    And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!


Source: A Choice of Kipling's Verse (1943)

Naturo..what?

Ask anyone in Singapore if they have heard of Naturopathy or have seen a Naturopath, the reaction to this question will be quite amusing. The general public is not aware of the existence of this "branch of medicine" or shall I say healing methods. In my days as a student, many times, I almost wanted to give up on the fact that I had to go in depth into my field of studies almost every time if the talk about work comes about. And if that is not enough, I occasionally had to ignore the sarcasm I get in social gatherings. And yes I do get the response "naturo..what?" "is that some branch of medicine? or a disease?" some might even think that I am a 'sinseh' practitioner  Most often I have to explain the profession before recommending anything else to help with their conditions... its makes it easier for them to understand where I was coming from at the end of the day as most Doctors dont really talk about Natural Medicine (according to what they have known so far about their Doctors in general)

If  according to wikipedia :

Naturopathy or naturopathic medicine is a form of alternative medicine employing a wide array of "natural" treatments, including homeopathy, herbalism, and acupuncture, as well as diet and lifestyle counseling. Naturopaths favor a holistic approach with non-invasive treatment and generally avoid the use of surgery and drugs.   - (note that I omitted out the condescending remarks after that)

Obviously this branch of healing modality is almost as old as the oldest profession in the world  (heh...) dating itself back to the times of Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna etc. This modality also utilizes TCM philosophy and several others traditional medicinal knowledge making the study of Naturopathy more complex.  Technically speaking, by now you would have realized that we are not sleeping in the same bed with the medical doctors due to our outlook in treating a patient. Nevertheless, Naturopathy in general has so called 'evolved' into adopting Functional Medicine - in which the patient's health is viewed holistically rather than going for the disease- making it suitable in addressing chronic diseases. It also means that Naturopathy can now find a bridge to conventional medicine by virtue of scientific evidence via nutritional works, physiological functions and biochemistry.Functional Medicine is the science and validation of the nutrition, diet and supplement therapy.

Training in Naturopathic Medicine has several layers, from diploma all the way to a PhD. And of which I am currently at the level of Bachelors Degree (as of now, this date). It is still a new modality in general, as far as Singapore is concerned.I took about almost 5 years to finish up my Bachelors Degree.

Practitioners of the field can be divided into three categories: traditional naturopaths; naturopathic physicians; and other health care providers that provide naturopathic services. Naturopathic physicians employ the principles of naturopathy within the context of conventional medical practices.

Naturopaths in some European countries has been accepted as a primary care physician whilst Australia and USA only some states permit the practice. In Singapore, Naturopathic doctors are allowed to practice but not required register under SMA. Even for myself I'm registered under an Australian association. Hopefully, in the near future, the law will allow Naturopaths/Naturopathic Doctors to practice on a wider scope. who knows.   

Blog Makeover.

I intend to do a major makeover of my blog with the aim of simplifying any topics (and educating the reader) with many general information with regards to Naturopathy.  Most Singaporeans are not even aware of what is the difference between Naturopathy and Conventional Medicine. I hope that in due time I am able to contribute my effort to help with this realization. Will try to post more often ...I promise.