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Health Topics

Vita’s naturopaths are trained to assess most aspects of health, from basic complaints such as ‘not feeling 100%’ to more serious illnesses that involve autoimmune and degenerative conditions.

Below are some common health topics that can be easily treated and prevented using naturopathic strategies: fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, premenstrual syndrome and fertility and family planning.

Post-Easter cleanse

Post-Easter cleanse … yes please!  

 

If you’re like me and impartial to the odd hot cross bun (or 3) you’ll agree that this year’s late Easter has meant 4 months of overindulgence!  Now here we are post-Easter feeling bloated, sluggish and a likely 1-2 kilos heavier.  So what to do … detox, too hard? – not at Vita!

 

Detoxification ‘programs’ have long been associated with strict and unrealistic dietary and fasting regimes that are often difficult to apply in our day to day lives.

Come and see us! – We promise to tailor a simple yet effective liver cleanse that you can apply whilst at work, requires no fasting and ensures that you won’t go hungry!

With just one session we will assess the degree of detoxification and support that your body requires and draw up a straightforward 2-3 week plan for you.

 

Poor liver detoxification has been associated with fatigue, hormonal imbalance, mood and anxiety disorders, blood sugar and blood fat problems including high cholesterol.  If you can relate to any of these conditions be sure to make the investment into your long-term health and experience the benefits of more energy, improved digestion, better clarity of thought, fewer headaches and the potential to shed an extra 1-2 kilos – you won’t regret it!

 

Looking forward to seeing you soon

 

Josie and Erika

BHSc Naturopathy

 

Premenstrual Syndrome

PMS refers to a group of ailments that occur during a one-two week period prior to menstruation. Symptoms present cyclically, are absent during the week following menstruation and vary from woman to woman.  Typically, premenstrual symptoms decline in severity after the first days of the period.

 

 

 

Symptoms:

  • premenstrual acne
  • fatigue and weakness
  • abdominal distension, bloating and discomfort
  • joint pains and/or back ache
  • breast swelling, pain, lumpiness
  • pelvic discomfort or pain
  • abnormal appetite, cravings
  • headaches
  • altered libido
  • change in bowel habit

 

  • mood swings/irritability confusion
  • lack of concentration/ forgetfulness
  • weight gain of more than 2 kg
  • fluid retention
  • palpitations, dizziness or fainting
  • nervous tension/ aggression/anxiety/ depression/ tearfulness
  • premenstrual genital herpes outbreaks, recurrent vaginal thrush and/or other infections
  • insomnia
 

 

 

Contributing factors

 

 

  • Hormonal imbalances - oestrogen and progesterone, adrenal hormones, adrenalin, noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine etc.
  • Nutritional / dietary insufficiency – B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, essential fatty acids etc

 

 

Treatment options

 

 

 
  • Treatments are tailored to the individual and aim to facilitate the regulation of hormones.  Hormonal regulation is primarily achieved using herbal medicine.
  • Herbs will also provide relief of the various symptoms associated with PMS whilst addressing the underlying cause
  • Individual dietary regimes are provided at each consultation. Educated food choices are fundamental to the overall success of treatment given the prevalence of altered digestion and bowel habits during the premenstrual phase.  Hence limiting foods that contain caffeine, sugar, salt or dairy and avoiding alcohol and nicotine one week prior to menstruation may significantly reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms.

 

 

PMS affects 40% of all women aged between 14 – 50 years of age.  Speak to our naturopaths today if symptoms interfere with your daily performance.

Book your appointment online now

 

Raspberry and Cashew Cream Cheesecake

 

Raspberry and Cashew CheesecakeIngredients:

Base

160 grams almonds

  • 160 grams Medjool dates
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt

 

Cashew Cream

400 grams raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours or overnight

  • 220 grams rice malt syrup
  • 220 grams coconut oil
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 110 grams frozen raspberries, thawed

 

 

 

 

Base 

1. Place almonds, dates and sea salt into food processor and pulse till mixture sticks together when pressed together.


2. Line a springform tin with baking paper and place blended mixture into tin, pressing mixture down firmly with the back of a spoon

 

Cashew Cream

1. Add coconut oil and rice malt syrup to saucepan and heat until melted 


2. Add melted ingredients and drained cashew nuts, vanilla bean paste and lemon juice into food processor and blend until smooth (2-4 minutes) 

3. Pour approximately 3/4 of mixture on top of the base and smooth off 

4. With retained mixture, add raspberries and blend in food processor for one minute

5. Pour raspberry mixture carefully onto the vanilla cashew layer

6. Place in freezer to set.

7. Once set remove from freezer 10- 15 minutes prior to eating. Enjoy!

 

 

Raw Mint Slice

Raw Mint SliceIngredients

Base

100 g raw almonds

50 g dessicated coconut

50 g dates

20 g coconut oil

20 g raw cacao powder

pinch sea salt

 

Filling

80 g coconut oil

100 g coconut milk

160 g raw cashews soaked for at least 30 mins, drained

50 g rice malt syrup or honey

pinch sea salt 4-6 drops

peppermint oil (food grade)

 

Chocolate topping

50 g coconut oil

25 g raw cacao powder

50 g rice malt syrup or honey

 

Preparation

Base

Line a small slice tray with baking paper

Combine all base ingredients into high speed blender or food processor and process until crumb is ticking together

Transfer mixture to the lined tray, spreading out evenly to cover the base

Place in freezer while you make the filling

 

Filling

Combine all of the filling ingredients except the peppermint oil

Process at med-high speed until smooth and creamy, this may take 3-4 mins

Add the peppermint oil, start with 2 drops and increase to suit your taste, gently combine on a low speed

Pour filling over base and return to freezer

 

Chocolate Topping

Melt your coconut oil in a small saucepan then add cacao and sweetener, stirring gently to combine

Ensure that your topping has begun to set before pouring your chocolate topping over it!

Pour the topping carefully and tilt  the tray to ensure that the filling is covered evenly

Return to the fridge or freezer to set and to store

 

Raw Passionfruit Cashew Cream Slice

 Passionfruit Cashew Cream CheesecakeIngredients

Base

80 g raw cashews

80 g macadamias

80 g desicated coconut

25 g coconut oil

20 ml rice malt syrup or honey

 

Topping

150 g raw cashews soaked for at least 30 mins then drained

220 ml coconut milk

100 g coconut oil melted

80 ml rice malt syup or honey

60 g desicated coconut

160 g fresh passionfruit pulp

 

Base

Place all ingredients in a high speed blender or food processor and process until smooth and crumb is sticking together

Press into a lightly oiled and lined square baking tin and freeze for 20 mins

 

 

Topping

Place cashews, coconut milk, oil and rice malt syrup or honey into your blender/food processor

Process until mixture is smooth and creamy - can take up to 3-4 minutes

Pour mixture over base and freeze for a further 20-40 mins

Place the passionfruit pulp in a small saucepan and heat on low until the mixture has thickened

Drizzle the passionfruit pulp over the slice and set in the freezer

Cut into squares and store in the freezer in an airtight container

 
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