Metabolism what is it?

Your metabolism is your body’s engine. It is the process of breaking down foodstuffs and burning them for energy and for cell maintenance. It also involves the maintenance of balance within the body. When you exercise, the rate at which your metabolism functions will increase, just as a car engine revs higher when you push on the accelerator. This is rate is referred to as your metabolic rate. When you eat food, your metabolism increases as your engine is required to work to digest food. There is an energy cost in digesting food. Continue reading…

Regular water consumption is essential for good health and wellbeing. Most Australians do not drink anywhere near enough water. Lethargy and Tiredness Lethargy and Tiredness Your Blood Circulates round your body each day dropping water off at the sweat glands, in the kidney and in the lungs. It releases at least 1.5 litres in the average person who does not exercise. It collects new water supplies from the bowel. Not many people realise that the body stores its water in the bowel. If there is no water in the bowel, the water volume in the blood drops thus potentially making the blood a little thicker and reducing the effectiveness of circulation. Continue reading…

Note: This document is meant to be a summary of John Toomey’s Nutrition presentation. It is not an exact prescription of a dietary plan for any individual. It is intended to assist readers to make positive, healthful changes to their dietary habits as they pursue better health. Individuals with particular problems or challenges should consult a trained Naturopath for further advice and individual guidance.

Why is Nutrition Important?

There are many reasons why people take an active interest in Nutrition. Most often they are motivated either by cosmetic factors or perhaps fear following a “bad health” experience. continue reading…

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Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) found in the seeds of plants and the oils of cold water fish, are vital nutrients that our bodies need for various critical functions. They cannot be synthesized by the body and must be supplied by the diet.

A fatty acid is considered essential if: 1) It cannot be synthesized by the body; 2) It can only be obtained through the diet, and; 3) A deficiency will result in disease. There are basically three essential fatty acids. They are:

• Linoleic Acid – The most important. Must be obtained from the diet.
• Linolenic Acid – Can be synthesized from Linoleic Acid.
• Arachidonic Acid – Can be synthesized from Linoleic Acid.

The vital functions of EFA’s include: ? Lowering Triglycerides ? Eradicating Plaque from arterial walls ? Lowering Blood Pressure ? Altering the production of leukotrines, which aggravate inflammation in the body. ? Along with proteins and cholesterol, constructing bodily membranes. ? Adding strength and integrity to cell and capillary structures. ? Prolonging Blood Clotting time, which enhances healing. ? Assisting in the manufacture of haemoglobin. ? Assisting in the production of cholesterol, whilst at the same time helping to remove excess cholesterol. ? Preventing the growth of bacteria and viruses via the oxygenation of bodily tissues. ? Via the Oxygenation of cell membranes, improved endurance, better sleep- wake cycles, greater metabolic efficiency and higher disease tolerance. ? Assisting in the functions of glands and organs. ? Assisting in the function of hormones. ? Nourishing Skin, hair and nails via oxygenation and the delivery of fat-soluble vitamins A and E. ? Increasing the rate of fat metabolism in the body. ? Maintenance of proper temperature. ? Assist in the production of electrical currents, vital for a stable heart beat. ? Precursors to the production of Prostoglandins. Gamma Linoleic Acid (GLA) is particularly active in this area. Prostoglandins are present in almost all body cells and act as catalysts for many physiological processes. They prevent abnormal blood clotting and nerve inflammation and promote better by dilating blood vessels. PGE-1 is the most important of the prostoglandins. It balances cholesterol and blood pressure levels and stimulates the production of T-lymphocytes, which strengthen immune capabilities. Sources of EFA’s. The Essential Fatty Acids are found in both plant and animal food sources, although primarily in plants. The EFA family is composed of two main groups, the Omega-3 and the Omega-6.