2
Disclaimer
This book is for information purposes only, it is not intended as a substitute for
medical advice.
The author will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information
contained in this book. The author of the book will not be held responsible for
any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any information
contained in this book or obtained on the workshop.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, in part or in whole,
by any means, except for brief quotations embodied in articles or reviews,
without the express written consent of the authors.
Kheyrne Danu
Innate Integrity
The simplicity of health for women - free yourself from confusion
3
Introduction:
Message from the author - Why are hormones a topic worth paying attention to?
Over the last century health imbalances triggered by hormone disruption, have increased so drastically that
the related syndromes have started being classified as “normal” - cancer, reproductive disorders, thyroid
imbalances, diabetes, adrenal stress, heart diseases, depression and many more. Are we actually
comfortable with the idea that these imbalances are just a common part of life? I certainly am not! In our
recent history, these syndromes were either unheard of or quite rare.
Today, these imbalances fall under the heading “lifestyle diseases”. This term shows us that we have the
power to prevent them from being a normal part of our reality, by simply improving our lifestyles. All we
have to do is take responsibility for our own health and work with the empowering information that is
available. As David Wolfe says, the best doctor is you!
There are thousands of people that have cured themselves from “incurable diseases”. Why should we listen
to the deep programming of the last generation, when they are clearly more focused on our money than our
health. 250,000 people die each year in the United States alone, from taking the correct dosage prescription
drugs and more people die from chemotherapy each year than from cancer, I would be very cautious when
looking for support from a medical professional. Personally I find those ways beyond shocking, they are
clearly a product of a redundant paradigm!
It is time to start trusting in the wisdom of nature and our own bodies. They have always been right in the
past, what makes now any different? The only difference is that we have to relearn how to listen. Our
bodies have been trying to communicate with us our entire lives. We are perfectly capable of listening and
hearing our body’s cry for help, far before chronic illness manifests. Disease certainly doesn’t just fall from
the sky and land on us by some unlucky fate, it takes years of compromise for the body to finally succumb to
a dangerous state of being.
Health is more logical and simple than many people wish to believe. Everything happens for a reason and
there is always an answer, we just have to find it.
My passion for this work was ignited by years of suffering from many hormone related imbalances. I was not
able to actually take life in, each day was just about surviving. Even when I found out what was causing all
of my health problems, it has taken eight years to gather all the tools that I need to be able to truly live life
to the fullest. It is clear that this information is not common knowledge, therefore combined with my passion
to assist other women in avoiding living hell, I present this work to you with love.
4
Part 1
THE HORMONE STORY
What are the qualities of a healthy woman? Women are naturally perceptive, intuitive, creative, chaotic, spontaneous, fluid, sensitive, changeable, gentle,
abstract, compassionate, nurturing, ruthless, and graceful. These are all strengths that have been seen as weakness
for around five thousand years. If you look closely you will see how it is imperative to have these qualities to keep
our children safe and loved.
Functioning from a lateral perspective instead of a linear one, allows us to pick up the subtleties of life, where the
true gifts lie. If we function from a rigid linear space we loose the sense of magic in life, of all the little things that
feed a woman’s soul. We thrive on our connection to nature, our love for our friends and family and all things
creative. If we are not experiencing or expressing creatively, we become stagnant and depressed.
By seeing life through dynamic eyes, we can pick up on the subtleties that could be important moments or concepts
that would otherwise be lost. Without creative energy, there is no evolution. We thrive on the energy of evolution.
We are designed to nurture, which means to help something grow and growth is evolution. When the world
becomes too monotonous our energy wanes. Everything is constantly changing and women thrive on the
experience of a process, as apposed to the outcome.
If we were to relate ourselves to animals, women are like the foraging animals, like a dear. We have heightened
awareness, knowing exactly where to find our food, while at the same time looking out for the children and when
we need to move if danger is coming. Therefore our awareness needs to be widely expansive. A mans energy is like
the hunting animals, like a lion, they need to be focused, calculated and driven to catch their food, no distractions,
no mistakes.
It is often said that women are not logical. Well thank goodness for that! If we calculated everything in life, we
would be completely unprepared for the unexpected and life is one constant flow of unexpected! Women’s wisdom
comes from the knowingness deep down in the core of her being, without intuition, we are without our true
strength, something that goes beyond analytical intellect and the measure of science, it is the wisdom of the world
speaking through our bodies, it is a strength beyond anything that can be controlled. The feeling of needing
something more falls away, when our intuition is strong, we feel safe, relaxed and complete.
5
WHY ARE OUR HORMONES UNHAPPY?
What are the prominent imbalances for women in this day and age?
- High anxiety levels
- Weight problems and water retention
- Underactive thyroid
- Low energy levels
- Diabetes 2
- Digestive disorders
- High blood pressure
- Depression and mood swings
- Reproductive imbalances and infertility
- Cancer
- PMS and Menopause
Today we find ourselves living in an environment that moves at the fastest pace, and on more levels than ever before.
Our bodies are not designed to function at this pace and the wear and tear is taking its toll. Unfortunately we are not
aware of the internal damage that is taking place, instead we complain about the symptoms of this high pace damage,
desperately looking for the magic pill to make these symptoms disappear, instead of scheduling in the time needed
and the true regenerative and tools that are clearly needed to bring ourselves back to a state of optimum health.
Plus our environments are being pumped with thousands man‐made substances that invade our bodies on a daily
basis. This toxicity is one of the main causes for most illness and it is not being approached or dealt with on a public
level. Often medication is used to suppress symptoms that are actually signs of toxicity. This just adds fuel to the
degenerative fire.
On top of it all we are being fed substances that are so far removed from our natural food needs, our body recognizes
them as pure toxins. Therefore we are adding more of a physical stress and not actually getting in the nutrients
needed for daily processes and cellular regeneration.
Our hormones are the fine tuned instruments of a grand orchestra. They can quite easily become out of tune with
the overload of these multi‐leveled stressors that add up in our daily life.
6
Since our hormones affect our mind, our mood, our aging process and our ability to heal ourselves, hormonal
imbalance can create dysfunctions on a psychological level as well as a physical one.
How Are Hormones Produced Within the Body?
The Endocrine System is one of the main systems in the body. It is one of the most complex and least understood by
conventional science. Not long ago its role was thought to be of secondary importance, scientist thought there were
only 20 hormones and now we know of 200. Only recently have we begun to discover the true function of this
fascinating network. Now researchers have found that this subtle system is essential and is strongly intertwined with
the coordination of all the vital functions in the body. One can only wonder what intriguing finds we are to see in the
near future of endocrine research.
The endocrine system is closely linked to the nervous system; together they make up the two main communication
systems of the body. The nervous system being the speed mail and the endocrine the straightforward snail mail. It is
made up of glands and the chemical messengers that they produce, the hormones. It works alongside the nervous
system in the control and regulation of our entire metabolism.
The endocrine system works with the nervous system, gut, reproductive system, kidneys, pancreas, liver and fat to
help maintain:
- Energy levels
- Emotional stability
- Growth and development
- Rate of metabolism
- The blood sugar level
- The immune system
- The lymphatic system
- Support for stress and injury
- And general homeostasis
The endocrine system directly controls the process, speed and health of aging. If our hormones are in a healthy
state they play a major role in keeping us youthful, and disease free. Many pathological conditions are the result of
or associated with the malfunctioning of the endocrine glands.
7
THE PITUITARY GLAND
The Hormonal system is managed by the Pituitary Gland. It is in charge of mobilization of fats, conducting of glucose,
conducting the reproductive cycle through follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH),
promoting lactation (prolactin), initiating labour (oxytocin), stimulating the kidneys to re‐absorb water (ADH) and has
an indirect effect on the growth (growth hormone) and function of the liver and other organs including the formation
of cartilage and the skeleton.
THE PINEAL GLAND
It plays a role in regulating the two neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin, which have a strong effect on the
Hormonal system, including reproductive function, sleep, moods and daily biological cycles.
UV rays help to regulate the pineal gland. It is important to get at least 30 minutes a day of lens free sunlight in
through the eyes (this does not mean looking directly into the sun!).
THE HYPOTHALAMUS
8
Is a part of the brain containing nerve centres that control appetite, thirst, body weight, fluid balance, sleep, body
temperature and sex hormones. It is located above the pituitary gland and acts as a link between the nervous system
and the endocrine system (called the Neuro‐endocrine system).
THE THYROID
The Thyroid hormones control mental composure and alertness, blood fat balance, strong and steady heart function,
circulation of blood, balancing of the appetite, bowel function, body weight controls, controls body heat, fluid balance
in the body muscle strength, the ability to fight infection and the controlling of calcium levels in the blood. The thyroid
needs iodine to function properly.
One of most common causes for weight problems and water retention among women is an under‐active thyroid. The
thyroid hormones control the health of organs and the speed at which the body metabolizes food. Basically it affects
the operation of all our cells, tissues and organs.
The thyroid has a direct relationship with the reproductive hormones. A high percentage of women with a
progesterone imbalance also have a thyroid imbalance. The thyroid imbalance could have caused the progesterone
imbalance or vice versa. The thyroid hormones (thyroxine) are essential for making the protective female hormones
progesterone and pregnenolone.
The thyroid is responsible for using and eliminating cholesterol. The cholesterol level is likely to rise when anything
blocks to healthy function of the thyroid.
A bit of cardio‐vascular exercise helps the thyroid stay healthy. Therefore a nice walk that can get the heart rate up, a
couple of times a week is the perfect amount.
THE PARATHYROID GLANDS
The four tiny glands are embedded in the thyroid affect the bones through its control over the metabolism of calcium
and phosphorus. It acts with Vitamin D to strengthen our teeth and bones and to clot our blood.
THE THYMUS
It produces lymphocytes particularly the T cells that play an imperative role in the balance of the immune system.
THE ADRENAL GLANDS
The adrenal glands are divided into two regions. One half helps to control mineral salt levels (especially sodium and
potassium), blood pressure, blood sugar and mobilize fats for energy and stimulate protein use and secrete hormones
9
that influence the part of the nervous system that is involved in the response and defense against stress (adrenaline &
cortisol). The other half controls inflammation and immune responses.
The adrenal glands produce the mother hormone pregnenolone. This hormone is the precursor for progesterone,
adrenaline, cortisol and DHEA.
THE PANCREAS
It secretes insulin and glycogen which control the use of glucose by the body and it produces digestive enzymes.
THE OVARIES
The female gonads (ovaries) have to job of producing and releasing a mature egg approximately every 28 days. To do
this the hormones involved in this production need to be at the correct levels to work together. The pituitary gland
releases luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which trigger a wave of activity in the
ovaries. The ovaries produce the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
In the first half of the ovarian cycle, when the monthly bleeding ends, the hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin‐
releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland in the brain to release follicle stimulating hormone
(FSH). These hormones direct an ovary to start making oestrogen (mostly estradiol), and stimulate the maturation of
eggs in about 120 follicles. As the oestrogen levels increase they trigger the development of the uterine lining. At mid
cycle the pituitary gland releases luteinising hormone (LH). This surge causes the follicle to rupture, releasing the egg
into the fallopian tube for its journey to the uterus.
10
The second half of the cycle, after ovulation happens, involves the ovarian follicle (now called the corpus luteum) to
fill with cholesterol. The cholesterol is the fuel needed to make the hormone pregnenolone, which is then converted
to progesterone. The progesterone raises in concentrations to 200 to 300 times higher than that of estradiol. This
huge surge of progesterone simultaneously puts the uterine lining into its secretory or ripening phase and turns off
further ovulation by either ovary. If after 13‐15 days the egg is not fertilized, the uterine lining is released for
menstruation when both oestrogen and progesterone levels drop.
The Dance of Oestrogen and Progesterone
Progesterone and oestrogen work as a team, each sensitizing the receptors for the other. The first important point is
that progesterone needs to be 200 times the quantity of oestrogen. Progesterone is a precursor hormone for the
entire steroid hormone system, plus other hormones like seratonin.
Progesterone protects the body by toning down the oestrogen receptors, according to Dr Peats research. It also
energizes enzymes as well as encouraging the livers detoxification system, which deactivates old oestrogens and
prepares them for departure from the body. It also acts as a neurosteroid has a positive effect on the immune system
and promotes efficient respiration.
Dr Peat also says “ In the circulatory system, progesterone regulates heart action and vascular tone, preventing
venous pooling of the blood and orthostatic hypotension, helping to keep the pulse pressure in the low range
indicationg efficient circulation.
Oestrogen in excess, according to Dr Peat, can act as an excitotoxin to the brain cuasing energy drain (cellular
exhaustion) by stimulating the brain beyond the nervous system’s capacity to respond. He says that even an average
oestrogen level can be a serious problem when there is insufficient progesterone to balance it.
11
What is a hormone imbalance?
A hormone imbalance is a disruption in the chemical balance within the endocrine or reproductive system.
Basic symptoms of a hormone balance:
Low energy / fatigue
Addictions
Impaired concentration
Headaches
Eating disorders
Low productivity
Low libido
Forgetfulness
Crying spells
Mental confusion
Nervousness
Mood swings
Headaches
Depression
Heart palpitations
Panic attacks
Insomnia
Sudden hunger
Allergies
Reproductive disorders
Irritability
Constipation
Highly strung
Weight problems
Water retention
Craving for sweets
Cold hands and feet
Outbursts of temper
Phobias
What causes hormonal imbalances?
- Chemicals, Stress & Food Toxicity
CULPRITS RESULTS
BIOCHEMICAL COMPROMISE
LONG TERM RESULTS
Lifestyle Culprits Lack of sleep Emotional stress:
‐ relationships ‐ work ‐ past trauma
Physical stressors: ‐ past trauma’s ‐ repetitive strain ‐ Over exercise
Invaders Heavy metals Petrochemicals Toxic foods Antibiotics Synthetic hormones Vaccines Pesticides Parasites Pollution
Overactive Candida Low intestinal flora Acidic body pH Blood sugar instability Adrenal stress Low digestive enzymes Low hydrochloric acid Blood toxicity
High estrogens High androgens High cortisol Low progesterone Low thyroid Low melatonin Low DHEA Low insulin
Diabetes
Reproductive disorders Infertility
High blood pressure High cholesterol Liver toxicity Colon toxicity
Digestive disorders Nervous System disorders
Heart disorders Cancer
Osteoporosis Cellular degeneration
Depression Obesity Anxiety Insomnia
12
1) CHEMICALS AND HEAVY METALS The presence of chemicals in our food, body products, cleaning products, clothes, water and soil has become a
normal part of life. This has to change to create a world of healthy and happiness.
Estrogen Dominance Xenoestrogens are chemicals present in our environment that mimic oestrogen in the body. They are far stronger
acting in the body 15 – 50 times the potency of natural oestrogens. The addition of this unwanted, cumulative,
synthetic steroidal hormone is believed to have dire consequences within our bodies, which directly interferes with
the normal function of our Endocrine System. Our body is fooled into thinking it is real oestrogen, and acts as if there
is an estrogen excess in the system creating major hormone havoc.
Some main symptoms of Estrogen Dominance are:
Anxiety and panic attacks
Breast tenderness/ Fibrocystic breasts
Cancer of breasts/ uterus
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Cravings/ Eating disorders
Depression / Post‐natal depression
Emotional mood swings and aggressive outbursts
Fibroids
Hair loss
Hot flushes/ Night sweats
Hypoglycaemia
Infertility
Water retention
Low self esteem/ low confidence
Migraines
Miscarriages
Menopause
Obsessive behaviour
Over weight
PCO (Poly cystic ovaries)
Pre‐menstrual syndrome
Period and ovulation cramps
Self mutilation
Skin disorders
Vaginal thinning
Insomnia
Irritability
‐ Estrogen and Progesterone need to be in balance with each other for the reproductive
system to stay healthy. If oestrogen levels get to high, oestrogen dominance occurs in the
body.
13
XENO-ESTROGENS – Petrochemicals Pesticides and Pollution
Products for the Body and Cleaning
Clear your cupboards of anything containing:
Aqueous Cream
Petroleum Jelly
Liquid Paraffin
Mineral Oil
If you use any products that contain petrochemicals, you are putting the same substance on your body, as the oil that
you use in your car.
The only reason petrochemicals are used in body products and cleaning products, is because of their incredibly low
cost. They are often promoted as safe for hypo‐allergenic skin types, as there are no perfume chemicals in them. This
does not mean they are good for you in anyway!
This is easy enough to prove, as petrochemicals leave a film on your skin. They also make your skin dry from sealing
your sebaceous glands and leeching your skin of vital nutrients, instead of feeding it. This creates a reliance on the
cream and the need to apply it regularly to gain some sense of moisture.
If we have a balance diet there should be little need for many body products as the skin should maintain itself quite
well. Obviously it is good to have a bit of protection from the pollution in our air and water. There are many amazing
creams out there made from 100% natural plant extracts, you do not have to break the bank to find a good cream.
Most body products for babies are made from petrochemicals. When they are used the babies are receiving
extremely high doses of xeno‐oestrogens. There have been reports of 4 year old baby girls growing breasts in Brazil
14
(high pollution area) and according to Dr Mercola, the average age of American girls starting menstruation has
dropped to 9 years old (that is very much a child!) form the saturation of oestrogens in their systems!.
The gel in sanitary pads and nappies is also made with petrochemicals.
There is one general rule when it comes to body products, if you can eat it, then it is safe to put on your skin.
Ingredients that feed our skin:
- Cacao butter/ Shea butter/ Coconut oil/ Jojoba oil/ Seseme oil/ Vitamin E oil
As for cleaning products, there are natural, organic cleaning products available is most shops nowadays, it is not
worth using anything else.
Plastics
Xeno‐oestrogens are in plastics, polystyrene and clingwrap. When we put our food in
plastic, especially when it is warm and has a fat content, the xeno‐oestrogens are absorbed into the food. P.E.T. is a
type of plastic that is safe and does not contain xeno‐oestrogens.
- do not microwave (at all) in plastic.
- do not put warm food in plastic.
- do not use polystyrene or clingwrap.
Pesticides
15
Most man made chemicals don’t biodegrade. They slowly
accumulate, saturating our soil, seeping into our water supplies and flooding our atmosphere and oceans.
51 chemicals found in pesticides are known as hormone disruptors that mimic oestrogen. These chemicals have a
profound effect on our bodies and those of other animals. Since world war 2, more than 75,000 chemicals have come
into commercial use worldwide, and more than 1,000 new ones are proposed for manufacture each year. Yet very
little is known or understood about the impact they have on human health. The worst culprits are DDT, DDE and
PCB’s.
The National Academy of Sciences in America, has estimated that few than 10% of them have been tested to the point
where their ability to cause cancer or reproductive disorders is understood. In fact, almost nothing is known about
the combined impact on our bodies. In our lifetime most of us are exposed to thousands of these chemicals, many of
which accumulate and build up in our bodies over the years.
Some documented side effects on foetal development in animals exposed to small amounts of hormone disruptors
are genital defects, infertility, low sperm counts, early puberty, high risk of cancer, weakened immune systems &
disrupted sexual behaviour.
The solution is to:
- Buy organic or pesticide free food. Just washing the vegetables is not going to do a lot of good as the plants
absorb the chemicals through the soil.
- Filter your water for bathing and collect spring water for drinking.
- Swim in chlorine‐free pools.
Poultry, dairy and red meat
16
If you eat meat or dairy, be aware that animals that are not organic, or free‐range, are pumped full of antibiotics to
stop them getting infections and synthetic oestrogen to fatten them up. Synthetic hormones cannot be killed, by
cooking the meat, eggs or heating the dairy.
This is also perfect proof that high oestrogen levels can cause weight gain!
There has been increased public concern shown over the safety of South African meat and animal products that
contain hormones. This has been more evident since the use of hormones in meat products has been completely
banned in the EU. The EU has also stopped the import of any US beef or dairy for this reason.
South Africa has been commonly using hormones in the animal products for decades. Difficult farming conditions has
spurred farmers in the use of all possible methods to maximize the efficiency of our agricultural industry.
The solution is only buy organic or hormone free meat and dairy products, or eliminate them from your diet
completely.
Phyto-oestrogens
The other influence on oestrogen dominance is phyto‐oestrogens. Theses are natural plant chemicals that mimic
oestrogen. There has been a common idea circulationg in the health industry over the last while, that phyto‐
oestrogens are good for hormone balancing. The average soya burger is the equivalent to two contraceptive pills as is
three bottles of baby soya milk formula!!! As high estrogen triggers many health problems including cancer, why
would we want to pump our body’s and our babies body’s full of this hormone disrupting product?
Some schools of thought promote using phyto‐oestrogens to fill up the oestrogen receptors with a natural oestrogen,
so the more potent xeno‐oestrogens can’t get there. This has a trace of logic to it. The flaw in this concept is that
oestrogen is stored in your fat and promotes storage of fat. Therefore one can create a catch 22. Oestrogen breeds
oestrogen. As there is very little that can stop oestrogen from going out of control, the levels can just keep rising and
rising.
17
If one has low oestrogen levels, one needs to focus on building the progesterone levels as progesterone is the
precursor for oestrogen. Therefore the focus should be more of feeding the progesterone (which will make any
oestrogen that is needed) and detoxing the synthetics.
Sythetic Hormones
The Pill The pill keeps the body in a stasis of pregnancy, on a psychological level, this is not a natural state of being to start out
in, never‐mind to spend 10 to 20 years of our lives.
Is this really the way we want to live?
Do we honestly believe that there was not an answer to contraception and other issues before pharmaceutical
companies came along? Why did every family not have 20 or more children?
The chemical structure of medroxyprogesterone or progestin as it is commonly known, resembles the chemical
structure of progesterone as it is produced naturally in the human body. But, even a slight difference in the molecular
configuration of a compound can produce a totally different response from its natural counterpart. This synthetic
hormone actually lowers a patient's blood level of progesterone.
Many women suffer from imbalances such as endometriosis, PCOS, fibroids and various other reproductive disorders.
These are all triggered from some influence that causes the progesterone levels to drop. So why would it then be
logical to put more synthetic hormones into the body, when they create a further drop in natural progesterone? Some
women who take medroxyprogesterone to combat PMS, or oppose estrogen in menopause report headaches, mood
swings, depression, exhaustion and fluid retention.
The Pill leaches many of the vital nutrients out of the body. If you were ever on the pill, injection, maraina or synthetic
hormone fertility treatment, it is important to bring your nutrient and natural progesterone levels back into balance.
This is imperative if you ever want healthy pregnancy. More and more children are being born with thyroid and
various other imbalances, due to the state of the mother’s health while pregnant.
It is also well known that 19‐nor‐testosterone progestin’s bind to estradiol receptors and thus have the potential to
stimulate breast and endometrial cancer.
Other factors found in research show that women using the contraceptive pill have a higher risk of:
18
• Blood clots
• Diabetes
• Ovarian/ uterine/ cervical cancer
• HPV
• Lupus
Drugs can interfere with the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill.
The following drugs can make birth control pills less effective, increasing the risk of an unwanted pregnancy and the
risk of birth defects: antibiotics rifampin for TB, antifungals, anti‐HIV drugs, and epilepsy drugs.
The pill causes vitamin deficiency.
Back in the mid‐1970s, studies reporting that oral contraceptives depleted a variety of nutrients began appearing in
the scientific literature. Birth control pills deplete:
- Vitamin B’s and folic acid/ Vit C/ Magnesium/ Selenium/ Zinc/ Amino Acids, especially tyrosine
For instance, a deficiency of the B vitamin folic acid can cause birth defects, cervical dysplasia (a possible precursor to
cancer), anemia, and cardiovascular disease.
HRT
Synthetic HRT (hormone replacement therapy) may not treat your symptoms of menopause SAFELY! Synthetic
hormones are different from natural hormones; they are structurally changed so they can be patented. Synthetic
hormone replacement therapy RISKS MAY EXCEED THE BENEFITS! Many doctors prescribe hormone replacement
therapy, and there are situations where it's appropriate.
But much of this HRT is composed of synthetic hormones. And much of the information recently appearing in public
makes the point this kind of HRT isn't as healthy as many people thought it was. Here are examples you may want to
read for yourself.
The Women's Health Initiative, sponsored by the National Institute of Health, examined the relationship between
traditional synthetic hormone replacement therapy and breast cancer, coronary heart disease, bone fractures,
endometrial cancer, strokes and blood clots.
19
This study was to last 8 years, but was stopped prematurely in July 2002 after only 5 years! Why? Because the women
in the study on HRT had health risks that exceeded the benefits! And after just 5 years!
The study found that women on hormone replacement therapy of combined estrogen plus progestin (PREMPRO) had:
• A 41% INCREASE in strokes
• A 29% INCREASE in heart attacks
• A 100% INCREASE in the rate of blood clots
• A 22% INCREASE in total cardio vascular disease
• A 24% INCREASE in breast cancer
• A 100% INCREASE in the rate of Alzheimer's Disease (in women over 65)
The Women's Health Initiative also concluded in 2003 that there were NO CLEAR BENEFITS on "Quality of Life"
measures for those taking the combined estrogen plus progestin HRT! A woman's body has trouble assimilating
synthetic hormones effectively and the side effects that result are often much worse than the original problems being
treated.
A study begun in 1996, women had a 66% higher risk of developing breast cancer than those who did not get HRT. And
women had a 22% higher risk of dying from breast cancer than those women who did NOT receive HRT. These results
were as of 2002 when the study was stopped.
The same type of mistreatment has occurred with millions of women over the past two decades who have been put
on conventional HRT, complained to their doctors about side effects such as weight gain, anxiety and insomnia, been
told it’s all in their heads, and given anti‐depressants such as Prozac or anti‐anxiety drugs such as Xanax. Little did they
know they were also being given heart disease, cancer and strokes. It’s likely that American doctors as a group are
feeling somewhat chagrined that they’ve been handing out HRT like candy, only to find out that it can be deadly and
wasn’t even effective anyway (except for controlling hot flashes and night sweats).
Tens of thousands of women have been killed or permanently harmed by taking HRT. Conventional medicine, which
trumpets that it is “evidence‐based,” allowed millions of women to be given HRT without evidence that it was safe or
effective.
Heavy Metal Toxicity
20
Heavy metal toxicity is frequently the result of long term, low level exposure to pollutants common in our
environment: air, water, food and numerous consumer products. Exposure to toxic metals is associated with many
chronic diseases.
Unfortunately they are not often tested for when the symptoms come up.
Metals dissolve in and move through fats. They cause some of the fats to change shape, ending up too long,
becoming the wrong shape, having the wrong element connections, or all of the above. The new shapes prevents the
fats from being able to fit into the cells, therefore they cannot carry out their function necessary to sustain life. The
processes in the body slow down creating the grounds for illness.
If we are deficient on minerals and trace elements, the body will absorb heavy metals in their place.
Therefore our nutritional status has a huge influence on the likelihood of heavy metal toxicity. If we ingest enough
essential fats our body is able to release heavy metals stored in our cells. If we ingest trans fats, this process is
compromised as the trans fat get in the way and substitute the place of the essential fats. The liver can only perform
its task of detoxification when it has all its essential nutrients.
Copper. Even though our body needs a trace amount of copper, it is toxic if the amount is too high. Excess tissue
copper stimulates the biogenic amines, neurotransmitters associated with depression, anxiety, mood swings and
schizophrenia. Copper imbalance is quite common but goes undiagnosed because the tissue mineral test is not often
done.
Lead. Thousands of children in the United States are affected by lead poisoning. Lead can cause mental retardation
and hyperactivity in children, and violent behaviour in adults.
Mercury. The mad hatters in Alice in Wonderland were mercury‐toxic. They rubbed mercury on felt to make hats.
Mercury accumulates in the brain, where it can cause severe behaviour changes. Silver amalgam fillings, fungicides
and paints are sources of mercury. Have all your grey fillings replaced with white ones (by a dentist with a good
reputation with this work, who uses a rubber dam!).
Aluminum. Hair levels of aluminum are increasing rapidly in the American population. Research links excess aluminum
with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Aluminum is acquired by drinking soda and beer from aluminum cans,
and from anti‐perspirants, anti‐acids, table salt, cosmetics, salted foods, tap water, aluminum cookware and perhaps
occupational exposure. It can be removed from the body if detected early enough.
Cadmium. The Journal of Learning Disabilities, Vol. 18, #10, 1985, pp. 609‐612 reported that among 980 male U.S. Navy
21
recruits entering basic training, a significant correlation was found between hair cadmium levels and behaviour
problems. "The three subjects with the highest cadmium level all displayed serious behaviour difficulties in recruit
training".
Fluoride is highly toxic, it creates a strain and can cause damage to the thyroid. Therefore do not drink tap water
unless it is well filtered.
2) STRESS In this day and age most of us deal with high stress lifestyles. Everything is getting faster, the demands are getting higher and each
year we are overloaded with more “things” to do, use and be responsible for. Our bodies have to deal with more sensory overload
than we have ever experienced before in history, just the noise pollution alone is overwhelming. Have you ever tried to discern all
the different sounds in a shopping centre? It’s exhausting just being in a busy place loaded with artificial lighting, air conditioning
and an outrageous level of AC electricity. Do we ever stop to think of the impact these influences have on our physical bodies?
The reality is our world has become far from congruent for our bodies, or for any other living thing on this planet, and the first place
that it impacts us is within our delicate hormonal structure.
If we understand the basic functions of our bodies and have the simple tools to create a physical balance, the mental stress can be
cut in half. It doesn’t matter whether mental stress or physical stress comes first, like the chicken or the egg story, the fact is both
need to be alleviated.
Our body has two states that it can function in:
SYMPATHETIC STATE or PARASYMPATHETIC STATE
These are the states of the nervous system.
The Parasympathetic state is when the body is functioning in a relaxed environment. Here we are able to:
- regenerate damaged cells
- digest food and absorb nutrients
- focus clearly
- use our memory
22
The Sympathetic state is purely designed for emergencies – fight or flight. Here you are ready to defend or run for
your life, the adrenal glands pump out the emergency hormones (adrenaline and cortisol) that enable you to do so.
Your system is designed to deal with short bursts of adrenal output.
When we spend a long period of time in the sympathetic state we go into…..
Adrenal Overload
Stage 1 Adrenal Stress
In this state the mental, physical and emotional functions are in a state of emergency. Steroid hormones are pumped
into the system at high levels, readying the body for action. The adrenal system takes priority over all other metabolic
functions, until all is safe and well and the parasympathetic system is reactivated. This action is not designed to last
for long periods of time.
Many people spend up to 80% of their waking hours in the adrenal stress, sympathetic state.
When one is in adrenal stress for a period of time, it starts to put strain on the entire body, compromising the
functions of the vital organs.
- Your body is unable to absorb the proper nutrients or regenerate in a stressed state!
In adrenal overload your appetite often becomes suppressed, your mind rushes and your reproductive hormone levels
become disrupted. On a mental, emotional level we can become edgy irrational and neurotic. Everything seems more
of a “big deal” than it really is. In essence we are seeing everything in life as a threat and not able to take in the gifts
that life has to offer. This shows how easy it is to live an entire life while missing out on life completely.
Stage 2 Adrenal Stress
As heightened adrenal function was only designed for short‐term emergencies, the adrenaline eventually runs out.
Your body does not have the resources left or is able to absorb and assimilate the nutrients needed to produce
adrenaline any more, and you start living on cortisol. Here one goes into a disconnected or numb state, mentally,
emotionally and physically. Life is just about functioning. After a sustained period of time high cortisol levels destroy
healthy muscle and bone, slow down healing and normal cell regeneration, compromise other hormone production,
23
impair digestion, metabolism and mental function, interfere with healthy endocrine function; and weaken your
immune system.
Stage 3 Adrenal Stress
If the body is not given a chance to regenerate, the adrenal glands go into a state of adrenal fatigue where they are
unable to produce the essential steroidal hormones including the mother hormone, pregnenolone. This can lead to
chronic fatigue syndrome or many other immuno‐difficient syndromes.
The long term effects are slow deterioration and dis‐ease as each system of the body becomes more and more
compromised. This is one of the most common causes of severe physical and metal imbalances. For women, it can
seriously add to progesterone, thyroxine and serotonin imbalances.
Associated Symptoms And Consequences Of Impaired Adrenals
• Lethargy and lack of energy especially in the mornings and also in the afternoon between 3 to 5 pm.
• Increased effort to perform daily tasks
• Decreased ability to handle stress
• Need coffee or stimulants to get going in the morning
• Hypoglycemia
• Craving for sweets
• Crave for salty, fatty, and high protein food such as meat and cheese.
• Dr Feel better suddenly for a brief period after a meal.
• Excessive hunger or no appetite
• Indigestion
• Alternating diarrhea and constipation
• Food and or inhalant allergies
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Moments of confusion
• Nervousness
• Mental depression
• Inability to concentrate
• Apprehension
• Poor memory
• Feelings of frustration
• Insomnia
24
• Headaches
• Lightheadedness / Low Body Temperature
• Poor resistance to infections
• Difficulty gaining weight or tendency to gain weight and unable to loose it, especially around the waist.
• Tendency to tremble/shake when under pressure
• Weakness / Difficulty building muscle
• Unexplained hair loss
• Tendency towards inflammation
• Reduced sex drive.
• Palpitations [heart fluttering]
• Dry and thin skin
• Pain in the upper back or neck with no apparent reasons
• PMS
• Scanty perspiration
• Alcohol intolerance
• Osteoporosis
• auto‐immune hepatitis
• auto‐immune diseases
• Dyspepsia
As the syndrome of adrenal fatigue is not that common knowledge amongst physicians, it often goes misdiagnosed
and untreated.
In this state just existing is a struggle never mind activating the process of becoming healthy. It doesn’t matter how
many thousands you spend on health supplements and organic food each month, you may just need those few
specific tools to support the adrenal healing process.
25
What is Pregnenolone?
Pregnenolone – The mother hormone, is the precursor (building‐block) for many other essential hormones. It is made
from cholesterol in the adrenal glands predominantly, as well as on a small amount being produced in the liver, brain,
skin, gonads, and even the retina of the eye.
Steroid hormones are a large family of structurally similar biochemical’s. Indeed, pregnenolone is the grand precursor
from which almost all of the other steroid hormones are made; including DHEA, progesterone, testosterone, the
estrogens, and cortisol (these steroidal hormones all have sex‐determining, anti‐inflammatory and growth regulating
roles). Therefore it is in root of most of the hormones in the reproductive system, the thyroid, the adrenal glands and
some in the brain. It is vital that pregnenolone production is stable to have balance in these areas.
This means it impacts on memory, mental alertness, stress responses, female reproductive cycles, metabolism, the
body's natural defenses, and joint and tissue function.
Vitamin C is essential for healthy adrenal action!!!
The best sources ‐ Camu Camu poweder/ Acerola Chery Powder/ Acai powder
26
Candida
What is Candida?
'Candida' is the popular term for an overgrowth of Candida albicans, which lives in all our mucus membranes, i.e.
intestines, eyes, ears, bladder, stomach, lungs, vagina, etc. It is one of the billions of other friendly organisms that
serve a useful purpose in the body. One of candida albicans’ important functions is to recognize and destroy harmful
bacteria and toxins.
Harmful Overactive Candida
However, candida is not intended to overgrow and get out of control while the body is still living. When we are
healthy, candida lives (in its yeast form) in our intestines where it competes with bacteria for room. Like bacteria, it is
aerobic i.e. it needs oxygen to live.
When the immune system is weak, Candida easily overruns the body. Candida (like all yeast) can survive without
oxygen by changing into its fungal, anaerobic form. It spreads rapidly into the area vacated by the dead bacteria,
putting down roots into the walls of the intestines, and sporing through the gut wall into the rest of the body. From
the intestinal tract, the vagina, sinuses, and surfaces of the tongue, it also can burrow deep into various organs. A
carpet‐like mass will wrap around the spinal cord and the nerves and often accumulates at the base of the brain. It can
mass around the heart and liver, and it can affect the reproductive organs, even causing endometriosis in women.
When Candida is allowed to get out of control it changes its shape and starts branching out raising large families called
colonies. When candida grows in your blood and is then called a systemic infection. These Candida colonies excrete
over 79 different types of toxins (chemicals) which circulate throughout the body weakening the immune system and
causing numerous symptoms and dysfunctions throughout the body. The main toxic by‐products are called
acetaldehyde, gliotoxins, mannan and ethanol. This systemic process is meant to happen within the body after death
to break down the bodies tissues. It decomposes cell membranes, providing food for external microbes to decompose
the body.
Acetaldehyde is the compound that accumulates in your brain, spinal cord, heart and muscles, breaking down the
tissue and producing the symtoms of an alcohol hangover or foggy brain, muscle weakness, and even pain. Gliotoxins
generate free radicals, which are very toxic to the immune system and destroy white blood cells that fight infection.
Mannan also has a significant immunosuppressive effect. Ethanol (a type of alcohol). poisons the various tissues of the
body and can cause lesions. These chemicals all cause the cells in the body to go rigid, even white and red blood cells.
Flexibility is very important for the functioning of cells, allowing nutrients and hormones to go in, and waste materials
to go out, as well as other important activities.
27
- Rigid cells can also result in hormone imbalance, nutrient malabsorbtion and electrolyte imbalance. Basically
the entire function of the body is impaired.
Red Blood Cell Damage ‐ When red blood cells become rigid the transport of life‐giving oxygen to all the tissues and
organs is impaired. This causes the tissues and organs to lose their ability to function. It is also why many candida
sufferers have cold hands and feet.
White Blood Cell Damage ‐ White blood cells fight infection, their job is also impaired as they are no longer flexible
enough to envelop foreign bodies.
Insulin Imbalance ‐ When cell membranes are damaged insulin will have trouble doing its job – and insulin levels may
have to be increased. This causes low blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia; also called insulin reaction) resulting in low
energy, light headedness, and sometimes even a coma. Over manufacture of insulin exhausts the pancreas, causing it
to dysfunction as well.
Factors that can trigger overactive candida: - Intake of wheat, dairy, sugar, alcohol, trans fats and refined foods - High stress - Intake of antibiotics or other medication - Impaired immune system - Impaired liver function - Use of birth control pill or HRT - Environmental toxins - Cleaning products - Vaccines - Adrenal Fatigue
Some of the symptoms and long term imbalances that manifest from overactive candida as it grows are:
- Any and all funguses in & on the body e.g. thrush
(vaginitis) or athletes foot
- Stomach bloating, pain, reflux, heartburn
- Craving sweet foods, simple carbs and alcohol
- Anxiety, nervousness, panic attacks
- Depression
- Digestive disorders, flatulence
- & constipation
- Bladder infections
- Blood sugar instability
- Thyroid imbalances
- Ear infections & itchiness
- Chemical sensitivity
- Bruising
- Canker sores
- Leaky Gut Syndrome / Irritable Bowel
Syndrome
- Many allergies
- Headaches & migraines
- Insomnia
- Cysts
- Swollen glands and lymph nodes
28
- Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome & adrenal
fatigue
- Confusion and inability to focus
- Short attention span
- Sinusitis, congestion & post nasal drip
- Throat soreness, dry & hoarse
- Lung infections, congestion & tightness
- Mouth sores and blisters
- Hemorrhoids
- Scalp itchiness, sores, dandruff and thinning hair
- Heart palpitations and erratic heartbeat
- Irritability and mood swings
- Muscle & joint aches and pains
- Sleep problems
- Skin rashes, itchiness & sensitivity
- Body odor, feet and bad breath
- Kidney & bladder infections and cystitis
- Cold hands and feet
- Low blood pressure
- Flu symptoms
- Eyes itchy or dry
- Vaginal dryness, itchiness, discharge,
sensitivity, inflammation & infections
- Reproductive disorders
- Candida can lock‐up progesterone and lead to Estrogen Dominance.
Candida’s Food
The fungus (yeast) thrive on your own nutrients (minerals, proteins, and fats). This creates further deficiencies,
especially of minerals (iron, selenium, zinc, etc.). Without minerals, your blood remains in an acidic condition.
The most important organs for creating energy are your adrenals and thyroid. They both need an ongoing steady
supply of minerals. When mineral levels are low, you have very little energy. Feeling exhausted, you then crave
carbohydrates for short‐term energy. More minerals are called from various places (especially your bones and teeth)
to keep a level of balance in your bloodstream. As your body continues to become even more acidic, the yeast
infection escalates and can even become acute. Viral infections and cancer also grow and expand in this acidic
condition.
According to antibody studies done at the Atkins Center, a yeast infection is involved in more than 80% of all cases of
Crohn’s disease and colitis.
How do I eliminate overactive candida?
‐ The detox plan – 4 weeks
‐ no wheat
‐ no dairy
‐ no sugar – sucrose, fructose or honey
‐ no fruit or dried fruit (including tomatoes)
29
‐ no simple carbohydrates – processed rice or other grains
‐ no fermented things – alcohol, vinegars or anything pickled
- Greens, greens, greens! Green juice, green smoothies, green salads, green soups, whatever you can
get your hands on, get it in your body. Fresh or powdered wheatgrass and barleygrass powder are
great. Eat it all!!!
- Clear the cause from your life.
- Eat a lot of greens to cleanse and feed your body.
- Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide, Caprylic acid (from coconuts), Pau d’Arco or Olive Leaf Extract kill
the initial overgrowth off candida.
- Take a high quality probiotic for two months.
- For three weeks eliminate anything that contains a level of sugar from your diet (e.g. lots of sweet
potatoes and butternut), until the candida is gone, then slowly one can introduce fruit, honey and
sweet vegetables back into your diet.
Doesn’t the idea of not decomposing really appeal to you?!!! There is always a way to find a balance in you life, there is
always a choice. Have a good hard look at the stressor triggers in your life and find a way to deal with it.
If one clears overactive candida it will clear the ‘fuzziness’ in your body and your brain.. You will have; a clear mind,a
lighter body and much, much more energy .
Blood Sugar Instability
What Is Hypoglycemia?
Glucose is the fuel that most foods break down into; it is transported through your blood to feed your body. Your
body, particularly your brain and nervous system, needs a certain level of glucose to function — not too much, and not
too little. If your blood glucose level isn't balanced, your body will react by showing certain symptoms.
Hypoglycemia occurs when a person's blood glucose levels spike they become dangerously high from consuming
refined sugars and carbohydrates. The pancreas then over secretes insulin in response to this and the blood glucose
level drops too low.
Since all the cells of the body, especially the brain cells, use glucose for fuel, a blood glucose level that is too low
starves the cells of needed fuel, causing both physical and emotional symptoms.
30
Some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia are:
Fatigue
Insomnia
Mental confusion
Nervousness
Mood swings
Faintness
Headaches
Craving for sweets
Cold hands and feet
Forgetfulness
Dizziness
Allergies
Crying spells
Sudden hunger
Depression
Phobias
Heart palpitations
Blurred vision
Inner trembling
Outbursts of temper
What Is Hyperglycemia? Hyperglycemia is a symptom in which there are elevated levels of blood sugar, or glucose, in the bloodstream.
Hyperglycemia can lead to diabetes. The most common symptoms of hyperglycemia include repeated urination,
hunger even after eating, and increased thirst. Secondary symptoms might be dry mouth and skin due to dehydration,
low energy, or a drop in weight. Some circumstances exacerbate hyperglycemia, such as a diet rich in sugars, no
exercise, stress, illness, and surgery.
If left untreated or undiagnosed, rampant hyperglycemia will lead to a condition called ketoacidosis. Eventually, the
body urgently needs energy. First, it will shut down lower priority functions to conserve energy, resulting in blurred
vision, confused thinking, and dizziness. Then it will use fat as an energy source, rather than glucose. The body isn't
designed to break down fat rapidly, so waste chemicals called ketones build up. When a critical amount of ketones are
present in the blood, they poison the body and will cause an acute coma or death.
A Stressed Body equals Acidic pH
pH, two simple letters standing side by side expressing the simplicity of health, which is, if our blood pH becomes too
acidic we die. In a nutshell, if anything raises the body’s acidity substantially, for a prolonged period of time, our health
will deteriorate.
The reality is that our society has swung far out of balance and which is clearly reflected in our common eating habits
and high stress lifestyles. The current typical Western diet is mainly composed of acid‐forming foods. Many foods are
alkaline‐producing by nature. As soon as we process and heat them, they become acid, void of nutrients and toxic.
They are not even recognized by the body as food!
Alkaline‐producing foods such as leaves and vegetables, are eaten in much smaller quantities by the average Joe. An
acidic body deprives the cells of oxygen and other nutrients. One then tends to crave stimulants like tobacco, coffee,
tea, and alcohol, which are also extremely acidifying. Stress, toxic overload, immune reactions and physical activity
31
(both insufficient or excessive amounts) also cause acidosis.
The most acidic foods are:
‐ All processed foods/ Meat/ Dairy/ Sugar/ Wheat/ Transfats/ Most Grains
If you have a health problem, you are most likely suffering from acidosis. Research shows that unless the body’s pH
level is slightly alkaline, the body cannot heal itself. If your pH is too acidic, your body takes minerals – such as calcium,
magnesium, potassium and sodium – from vital organs and bones to neutralize and remove the acid. If the body does
not contain enough minerals to compensate, a build up of acids in the cells will occur.
- Disease in the body, as a biological process, will develop and manifest dependent upon the state of the internal
biological terrain. At the core of that terrain, is pH.
Although high acidity may not be outwardly noticeable, the strain on the body is severe and prolonged damage can
occur. If your body’s pH is not balanced, you cannot effectively assimilate vital nutrients from your food or whole‐food
supplements. It creates oxygen‐deprived areas of the body and makes your internal environment conducive to
disease. High acidity can become a dangerous condition that weakens all major body systems and may go undetected
for years.
A pH‐balanced environment, on the other hand, allows proper metabolic functioning and gives your body resistance
to disease. A healthy body maintains alkaline reserves that are used to meet emergency demands. So no matter what
means you choose to take care of your health, it will only be effective once the pH level is balanced.
Hippocrates said, “Let food be thy medicine. Let medicine be thy food.”
Pasteur and Bechamp: On his deathbed, Louis Pasteur finally acknowledged Bernard Bechamp’s work and said,
“Bernard was correct: the microbe is nothing: the terrain is everything.”. With his death imminently at hand, he as
much as admitted that his germ theory had flaws. But his admission fell on deaf ears. It was far too late. It could not
reverse the inertia of ideas that had already been accepted by mainstream science at that time. Allopathic (drug
based) medicine was firmly entrenched on the road that was paved by Pasteur. The result of that road is what you see
today practiced as medicine. When a body is out of balance, doctors attempt to correct it, first through drugs, then
through surgery. The general effect is to remove the symptoms, not to deal with the ultimate cause of the ailment.
More recently, in his remarkable book Alkalize or Die (see recommended reading), Dr. Theodore A. Baroody says
essentially the same thing: “The countless names of illnesses do not really matter. What does matter is that they all
come from the same root cause…too much tissue acid waste in the body!” Theodore A. Baroody, N.D., D.C., Ph.D.
32
You can check pH through testing your morning saliva by using pH paper. You should check your morning saliva pH
immediately after arising, before you think about or eat your breakfast, and while in a calm state of mind. (Even
thinking about food changed your pH.) Optimal range for first morning saliva pH is 6.8 to 7.2.
Common health problems caused by acidosis:
Lack of energy and fatigue.
Lower body temperature.
Tendency to get infections.
Loss of drive, joy, and enthusiasm.
Depressive tendencies.
Easily stressed.
Pale complexion.
Headaches.
Inflammation of the corneas and
eyelids.
Cardiovascular damage.
Weight gain, obesity and diabetes.
Immune deficiency.
Acceleration of free radical damage.
Leg cramps and spasms.
Slow digestion and elimination.
Yeast/fungal overgrowth.
Hormonal problems.
Premature aging.
Osteoporosis and joint pain.
A Loose and painful teeth.
Inflamed, sensitive gums.
Mouth and stomach ulcers.
Aching muscles and lactic acid.
Cracks at the corners of the lips.
Excess stomach acid.
Gastritis.
Nails are thin and split easily.
Hair looks dull, has split ends, and
falls out.
Dry skin.
Skin easily irritated.
Bladder conditions.
Kidney stones.
Chronic fatigue.
Spinal Imbalances The spine holds the main communications system in your body, your nerves. This is the pathway for the brain to
control all the activities in the body.
- When we experience physical or emotional stress, there is a direct impact on the state of the muscles that
support the spine and the entire skeletal structure.
If the spine is tight from bad posture, sitting at a desk all day, driving, or any past accidents, one probably has some
level of compression in the spine.
The muscles tighten up during any acute or repetitive trauma for protective reasons, but if proper healing has not
taken place, they often don’t completely let go. Instead they start pulling the vertebrae closer together, squashing
33
the discs and the nerves in between. This can cause compromised signals in the nerves, like the broken telephone
effect. One of the results can be an impaired function of the endocrine system as well as other systems in the body.
With these holding patterns, it is beneficial to find a good practitioner of a bodywork modality, that properly releases
held trauma in the body. Unfortunately doing most physical arts like yoga or pilates cannot release the holding
patter, they only mask it. Bodywork is needed to release the imbalance, then movement can be used to strengthen
the body in an aligned format to prevent further issues.
It is essential that we understand that everyday strain builds up and can end up as a serious imbalance. The spine is
not an area to be ignored or treated superficially. If we put a little energy into learning how to sit, walk and move
correctly, we can save the health of our spines and subsequently the rest of our bodies.
As you can see from the diagram below, the reproductive area is controlled by the nerves from the lower back.
34
35
3) Food Toxicity
If you eat a high content of any of the following foods, you are not doing yourself any favours. Unfortunately, the
modern diet is typically low in fibre, vitamins, minerals, essential fats and healthy proteins and high in the following
toxic foods.
What are the 8 biggest food toxins?
- Trans fats – Hydrogenated oils and fried foods ‐ This is a chemical process by which hydrogens are added to
unsaturated fats or polyunsaturated fats in order to make them solid at room temperature and improve their
"shelf life." However, a by‐product of this process is trans‐fatty acids. These fatty acids are not made by the
body's cells and are un‐natural. They are replacing the essential fats that would make their brain and body
work properly with ones that are clogging up the machinery. There are no health benefits and many health
costs to these hydrogenated fats, The danger comes in when these fats become rancid and introduce
destructive oxidants.
E.g. cheap cooking oils, margarine, fried food, pastries, biscuits, chocolate, etc.
It is essential to ingest raw plant oils in our diet, not trans fats!
Effects:
‐ Immune system depression / Cardiovascular disease / Diabetes / Obesity / Sterility / Decreased ability
to produce breast milk / Weakening of your bones and muscles
- Refined sugar – Breaks down extremely fast and causes the blood sugar level to spike and drop quickly. The
word blood sugar is dangerous because many people feel they need to eat sugar to stabilize their blood sugar
level. Sugar is the last thing that anyone should be eating, there is nothing of benefit in it and it is so refined,
it is basically just a blob of acidity as well as a candida feeder. Regular consumption of sugar can lead to
hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. It causes your body to store fat and creates an imbalance in your
minerals, e.g. increase in sodium levels.
- Refined flour – Spikes your blood sugar level as much as and sometimes more so than sugar. It contains
gluten which is intestinal glue. Not only does it stick to your colon, it catches other food that goes past which
can stick there for up to 30 years and slowly rots and ferments. Isn’t that a wonderful picture? Again all
refined flour is another great candida feeder. Refined flour not only has been stripped of all of its original
nutrient value, it also has one of the highest levels of pesticide toxicity.
36
- Dairy – Most dairy is from cows that are firstly kept in horrific conditions. Secondly they are pumped full of
synthetic hormones to fatten them up and antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick from their low grade
living facilities. The amount of animal products that is consumed by the average person enables humans to
build up a fair amount of the synthetic chemical gifts in their bodies.
Normal dairy is also very acidic and contrary to popular belief, it does not contain much absorbable protein or
minerals and it is consists of more puss than actual milk. Raw (unpasteurized) organic dairy, is the only form
of dairy that our body can digest as it contains lactase, the enzyme needed to break it down, plus it does not
contain toxins and is much less acidic. Colostrum is the most important part of raw dairy, the clear stuff that
floats on the top of first milk after a calf is born. Kefir made with milk is actually an amazing healing tool and
can assist gut health.
- Soft Drinks – Each can that contains sugar has approx 10 teaspoons per can! (If that’s not going to give u
diabetes, I don’t know what will) If it doesn’t have sugar, it has toxic sweeteners.
‐ It contains 30 – 55mg of caffeine per can.
‐ They are loaded with loaded with artificial food colours and sulphites.
‐ They are so toxic and acidic that they leach minerals from your bones and dehydrate you.
Effects:
‐ Nutritional deficiencies / Osteoperosis / Heart disease / Tooth decay / ADD in children / Adrenal
Overload
- Artificial Sweeteners –Aspartame or Aspartamine is the most common one.
It has been found to have a neurotoxic quality.
Effects:
‐ headaches / dizziness / seizures / nausea / numbness / muscle spasms / weight gain (it can actually
increase appetite) / rashes / depression / fatigue / irritability / insomnia / vision problems / hearing loss
/ heart palpitations / breathing difficulties / anxiety attacks / slurred speech / loss of taste / tinnitus /
vertigo / memory loss / joint pain.
- Caffeine – Yes, the natural and unprocessed teas such as green tea have strong anti‐oxidant qualities even
though they contain caffeine. This form of caffeine is subtle slow effect caffeine. Depending on the persons
sensitivity, depends on whether all or some caffeine forms are harmful to their system or not.
Depending on the constitution, even a good quality coffee may not be that harsh on the system. The people
that should avoid caffeine are anyone that experiences or has experienced a period of high stress in their
37
lives, are naturally highly‐strung and people who experience jitteriness and ‘wired’ effects, or have a downer
afterwards, should stay well away.
The main caffeine to avoid is anything that has been processed and it should never be consumed if you are
pregnant, have high blood pressure, suffer from insomnia or anxiety.
Effects
– dehydrates your body / is very acidic / damages your blood vessels / over‐works your adrenal glands
- Soya – The modern world has turned a simple food into a nightmare.
‐ Soya in its processed form e.g. soya milk, soya burgers, sausages, nutritional supplements, etc, is extremely
harmful.
‐ The proteins and vitamin B12 is thought to be in soya, is completely in‐absorbable by the body.
‐ The phyto‐oestrogens / isoflavones in soya do not assist in balancing women’s hormones in any way, they
actually add to any imbalance.
‐ Soya is a goitrogen, it slows down your thyroid function.
‐ The scientists are finally finding the proof that soya fed to children creates such a high oestrogen level that
they have a high risk of getting cancer and they start puberty at an average of 9 years old. The oestrogen in
infant boys creates such high testosterone serge that it can reach the same level as adult males.
‐ This is certainly an unnatural substance to be eating in western dosages and this unnatural form!!!
In a society filled with unhealthy influences, we cannot afford to take our environment or our bodies for granted. With
this information you can arm yourself with the awareness of what to avoid allowing your quality of life to improve by
leaps and bounds.
38
Part 2 -
IMBALANCE MANIFESTATIONS
In all cultures, women have predominantly been the ones to carry the knowledge of health and healing.
They were taught how to listen to their own bodies and were empowered with the innate understanding of
health and wellness, as well as how to stay in tune with their intrinsic cycle. From a young age they learned
to work with the medicinal plants to look after their own bodies and later learn to assist others.
Today upon entering into adulthood, we are more often then not put on the pill to keep our cycles under
control and prevent any premature pregnancies, before we even have a chance to know what it is to be a
woman. If we learn anything about our finely tuned system it is at in the clinical environment of school,
where our basic anatomical structure is presented to us and that is the end of the story. We are not taught
what it is to be a woman.
When we have babies we are rushed off to hospital as if we are carrying some deadly disease, even when
there isn’t anything wrong and are commonly sliced and diced within the blink of an eye, usually for
convenience sake. This is a far distant reality from the intricate conscious preparation and deep guidance
through pregnancy and childbirth that was experienced for thousands of years, by our ancestors. In South
Africa we have a 73% caesarian rate, even though the World Health Organization expresses that only 14% is a
healthy rate.
It is clearly time to take our health back into our own hands and prevent the following from being a normal
part of a woman’s life.
Thyroid Imbalances
Why is the thyroid so important?
One of most common causes for weight problems among women is an under‐active thyroid. The thyroid hormones
control the health of your organs and the speed at which the body metabolizes food. It is estimated that 50 – 80% of
western women suffer from a thyroid imbalance.
39
The thyroid hormones are essential for making the protective female hormones progesterone and pregnenolone. A
high percentage of women with a progesterone imbalance also have a thyroid imbalance. The thyroid imbalance
could have caused the progesterone imbalance or vice versa. The thyroid is responsible for using and eliminating
cholesterol. The cholesterol level is likely to rise when anything blocks to healthy function of the thyroid.
Oestrogen dominance, heavy metal toxicity, trans‐fats, goitrogen excess, low protein, low minerals and low essential
fatty acids interferes with the uptake of thyroid hormones.
Unfortunately the medical thyroid tests often fail to pick up an under‐active thyroid until it is an extreme problem,
they often do not test T3 and T4.
When our immune system is compromised the TSH is blocked from converting into the essential T3 and T4 hormones
of the thyroid.
Goitrogens ‐ There are certain foods that slow down and compromise the function of the thyroid. These are called
goitrogens and are very common in the average western diet.
: ‐ Peanuts / Soya / Crucifferi – Cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts / turnips / mustard / pine nuts / millet
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism (Underactive)
- Low energy or fatigue
- Depression
- Migraines
- Muscle aches and stiffness
- Swelling of eyelids
- Constipation
- sluggishness
- insomnia
- tingling in wrists and hands
- Puffy around eyes and face
- Weight gain
- Cold hands and feet
- Skin problems (itchy, dry,
scaly, eczema, acne)
- Poor memory
- Lack of concentration
- Always feeling cold
- Low libido
- Bruising easily
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Brittle nails
- Poor vision
- It can also be the trigger of
female reproductive
disorders
- Low immune system
- Nervousness and tremors
- High cholesterol
- Sparse outer eyebrows
Deficiency in Selenium, Glutathione, Iodine, Zinc and probiotics are often a factor in hypothyroidism.
Too much thyroid hormone is known as hyperthyroidism, overactive thyroid or thyrotoxicosis. Grave’s disease is a
type of overactive thyroid disease described as “autoimmune” meaning that the body’s immune system has damaged
the thyroid gland.
40
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism (Overactive)
- Jitteriness / shakiness
- Rapid heartbeat /
palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss
- Increased appetite
- Panic attacks / paranoia
- Swelling in the front of the
neck
- Heat intolerance
- Itchy skin
- Protruding eyes
- Weak muscles
- Reduced fertility / lack of
menstrual cycle
- Anxiety / nervousness
- Difficulty in sleeping or
relaxing
- Reduced ability to deal with
stress
If a person with an overactive thyroid is not given a thorough thyroid test, they may be misdiagnosed as experiencing
anxiety, neurosis, psychosis or other psychiatric disorder.
Healing Thyroid:
- Coconut Oil!!!
- Adaptogens ‐ Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil) is one of the strongest adaptogens for healing the thyroid! Maca assists the hypothalamus in producing TSH. Ashwaganda and Astragalus are both powerful thyroid adaptogens.
- Probiotics are essential for T3 reuptake. Fermented foods especially saurkraut as it has probiotics and vitamin C.
- Indol 3 Carbinol in broccoli sprouts converts the thyroid blocking Esterone and Estradiol into Estriol, the estrogen that the body can utilize and break down easily.
- Selenium (Brazil Nuts), Zinc (sea vegetables), Vit D3, and Vitamin C (Camu Camu, Acai, Acerola Cherry powder), are all essential for thyroid health.
- Omega 3 increases the body’s electrical energy (the thyroid is the electrical centre of the body).
- Grounding is a powerful tool in balancing the thyroid!
- Organic Iodine will boost the TSH level for 6 months then it regulates.
- A bit of cardio‐vascular exercise helps the thyroid stay healthy. Therefore a nice walk that can get the heart rate up, a couple of times a week is the perfect amount.
41
Depression / Post Natal Depression
Depression is something that is not always easily recognized. It is not to be taken lightly, as depression of any kind can
cloud your whole life. The worst part about being in it, is the overwhelming feeling that there is no way out.
Depression is a chemical imbalance of the body, which is often overlooked. It is not just "in your head;" it is also
physical and constitutes a very significant independent risk factor for heart disease and osteoporosis because of the
abnormal hormonal milieu that is present in someone who is depressed. Depression is often a message from one’s
inner guidance that things are out of balance on some level of life.
Feeling stuck in a rut has biological and physiological effects on both the brain and the body. If we don’t grow and
move forward in our life, our body comes to a biochemical standstill. If we don’t live and work in rewarding
environments, and don’t know how to change our circumstances, then neurotransmitter levels such as serotonin and
opiates decline significantly in both the brain and body. This has profound effects on mood, attention, and memory. It
also has insidious effects on the physical body, including the cardiovascular system, bones, and immunity. For
example, sustained depressed mood decreases a type of immune system cell known as the Natural Killer (NK) cell. It
also increases the level of inflammatory chemicals known as cytokines and interleukins, which is why chronic fatigue
and fibromyalgia are more common in those with dysthymia and depression.
Studies now show that people who have a low level of depression for years have low blood flow to the frontal lobes
of their brains, including the areas for initiation and motivation. This makes them both depressed and forgetful. And
years of such lower blood flow increases the chance of developing dementia, coronary artery disease, and cancer.
Unfortunately common practice does not include seaking out and healing the cause of depression, the average
woman is placed straight onto anti‐depressants and sometimes anti‐psychotics, depending on the extremety of the
symptoms. Unfortunately this does not solve the problem, it mearly masks the bodies cry for help and often results in
dire health disorders.
PMS Depression
PMS is a horrible dis‐ease that is so easily mis‐diagnosed because of its broad spectrum mental, physical and emotional
symptoms. These symptoms vary in dominance from person to person. Depression is one of the major symptoms of
this disorder.
The majority of patients prescribed Prozac and other SSRIs are women between the ages of 25‐50. These are also the
same age ranges in which women commonly complain about PMS symptoms. A recent study suggests that synthetic
SSRI’s are helpful in the treatment of PMS because they increase the level of allpregnanolone.
In other words, these drugs are mimicking the effect of progesterone.
42
"Approximately 36% of women with PMS complain of depression, confusion, crying and forgetfulness. These symptoms
are usually found in the most severe cases of PMS. Neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit messages within the brain
and help control mood) decrease with increasing estrogen levels. The SSRI drugs that are used for depression increase
neurotransmitters called monoamines. Estrogen inhibits the synthesis of monoamines. Endorphins are also a group of
compounds made in the brain that normalize or elevate the mood. Estrogen excess in the luteal phase decreases
endorphin levels in the brain. Studies have shown that low endorphin levels in the luteal phase are common in women
with PMS."
Some of the more extreme symptoms of low progesterone can be anxiety, panic attacks, food binging, weight gain,
exhaustion, suicidal feelings, violence, self‐mutilation, psychotic attacks, eating disorders and many more.
Dr Katharina Dalton has written about her experience with patients exhibiting symptoms ranging from what she calls
“cyclical” criminal acts (including child abuse and murder) and suicidal inclinations, to asthma attacks and excessive
weight gain, all related to premenstrual symdrome. Dr Dalton coined the term PMDD, Premenstrual Dysmorphic
Disorder to encompass the extremity of a progesterone imbalance.
Dr Dalton points out that “the target cells containing progesterone receptors are wide spread in the body, although
most are found in the brain, mostly in the limbic area (near the brain stem) which is the area for emotion, rage and
violence.
When Dr Dalton traced the history of these symptoms, she found that they all originated at the onset of puberty for all
of the patients. Many of these patients had been on medication prescribed for the various symptoms. Relief only
came for each one of them once they replaced their allopathic medication with natural progesterone. Sometimes the
dosage of progesterone had to be a much higher level than normal. This enabled many of these women who had
been in prison or institutionalized to be released to commence a normal life.
Post Natal Depression ‘The baby blues’
A special category of depression is postpartum depression. Maternal depression is frequently underdiagnosed. (About
10 to 15 percent of women are clinically depressed during pregnancy itself.) Fully 80 percent of women experience the
baby blues for up to two weeks after delivery. Approximately 10 to 15 percent of women will go on to experience
some form of mood disorder postpartum, ranging from major depression to anxiety disorders such as panic attack. If
a woman has a history of depression, she is at significant risk postpartum. Women with moderate to severe PMS may
be at increased risk for postpartum depression, especially those who feel their best during pregnancy and who
respond well to natural progesterone.
This is a horrible condition that no woman should need to suffer from, especially at the time for bonding with a new
baby.
43
Many women who suffer one postpartum depression will experience the same thing after each birth. True psychosis
occurs in only about 1 in 1,000 births, and is characterized as being out of touch with reality, hallucinating, and hearing
voices. Since Schizophrenia and Bipolar disorder are common symptoms of extreme progesterone difficiency, it is
then obviousl that after birth, when the huge supply of progesterone produced by the placenta, is suddenly lost, that
a woman could fall into this psychological hell, if her ovaries are not able to start their progesterone production once
again.
Perimenopausal Depression
From the around the age of 35 women stop ovulating every month. Ovulation triggers the major amount of
progesterone that is produced in the body which happens in the ovaries. Therefore the progesterone levels start
dropping as ovulation fades out. If ones system is not in a healthy balance when this happens one of the symptoms is
depression.
Menopausal Depression
At anytime from the age of 40 one can begin menopause. This happens when one finally runs out of eggs and its time
for the body to change out of baby making mode. At this stage the progesterone and oestrogen levels drop a little,
around 15%. If ones system is not in a healthy balance when this happens one of the symptoms is depression.
Nutrients: Magnesium deficiency is associated with anxiety in many women. Taking 400–1,000 mg a day can often work wonders. Deficiencies of calcium, copper, and the omega‐6 fatty acids may also relate to depression.
There’s an association between high copper levels, low zinc levels, and the rage that can be associated with PMS.
Longterm exposure to excessive estrogen (and synthetic progestins) can lead to copper and zinc imbalance.
Imbalance of these two minerials results in unbalanced activity of the enzymes for which they are cofactors and leads
to exaggerated stress reastions, serious mood swings, and depression.
Vitamin B’s ‐ Vitamin B6 is the vitamin most commonly needed by these particular enzymes, which is why it often is
effective in treating depression. Deficiencies of biotin, folic acid, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin B12, and vitamin C
have all been linked to depression. Vitamin B6 deficiency, for example, has been shown to lower levels of serotonin.
This vitamin plays a role in the production of the monoamine neurotransmitters, which are important for mood
stabilization.
Omega‐3 fats: These fats are very important for optimal brain and nervous system functioning. This is especially
important for women on low fat diets, because many women with depression have been following a diet that is so
44
low in fat, they can’t make the proper brain chemicals to lift depression. Omega‐3 fats can also be used to treat
postpartum depression. I recommend taking a total of 1,000–5,000 mg of EPA and DHA per day. Studies have shown
that in countries where large amounts of fish are consumed, rates of depression are low as compared with countries
where little fish is consumed. This has led researchers to examine whether omega‐3 fats found in the fish are
responsible for the decreased evidence of depression.
Low vitamin D may contribute to depression. For most of us, during the winter this becomes an important
consideration as we don’t receive enough sun exposure to generate the vitamin D we need to provide us with all the
health benefits vitamin D has to offer.
St. John’s Wort ‐ More than 30 placebo‐controlled clinical studies have shown that St. John’s wort is as effective as
conventional antidepressants for treating moderate depressed mood. The active ingredients hypericin and hyperforin
appear to increase brain neurotransmitter levels, which maintain normal mood and emotional stability. Usual dose is
300 mg, three times per day for most brands. Note: St. John’s Wort should not be taken in those who are on certain
anti‐cancer agents, immunosuppressant drugs, protease inhibitors, coumadin, or SSRIs.3
Valerian ‐ If you have an anxiety component with your depression, add valerian to your Saint‐John’s‐Wort. The usual
dose is 100–300 mg standardized extract containing 0.8 percent valerenic acid.
Ginkgo Biloba‐ If your depression is associated with attention and memory problems and you are age fifty or older,
consider Ginkgo biloba in addition to Saint‐John’s‐Wort. The usual dose is 40–80 mg three times per day.
Inositol ‐ is an effective over‐the‐counter alternative to many commonly prescribed antidepressants. Although the
exact mechanism is unknown, it appears to be linked with the serotonin system, affecting the same pathways of brain
chemistry as do the tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants, but without the side effects. I’ve prescribed inositol for several
patients, who have tolerated it well. One, a person with a very significant family history of depression, used it
following the loss of a loved one. She reported, "In the past, before inositol, I would have gone through my grief and
then fallen into a black hole. This time I could still feel all of my feelings deeply, but I was able to move through them
without a depression hangover." Usual therapeutic starting dose is 12 g per day; however, inositol has been shown to
be well tolerated in doses as large as 18–20 g per day.
5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HTP) ‐This compound is naturally produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan,
which is an important precursor to serotonin. Although tryptophan is found in many foods, it can be difficult to
consume enough tryptophan in the diet to overcome serotonin deficiency. (Tryptophan supplements were once
widely used as sleep aids, but they were taken off the market after some products were found to be contaminated.) 5‐
HTP can be extracted from plants and is now available as a nutritional supplement. It has been used for decades in
Europe as an approved treatment for both depression and sleep problems. The side effect of nausea is sometimes
45
reported, but an enteric‐coated formulation should help avoid this. The usual dose is 100–200 mg three times per day.
Note: Don’t use 5‐HTP if you are on an SSRI‐type antidepressant like Zoloft or Prozac.
What is insulin resistance?
Insulin is the hormone that is produced by your pancreas. It helps the body to utilize blood sugar. Insulin acts like a
key that opens the cells for the glucose to move inside. Glucose is the fuel for the cells. It is either used immediately
or stored in the form on glycogen in the liver or muscle cells.
Insulin resistance is an imbalance whereby the insulin secreted by the pancreas is not able to unlock the cells. Insulin
Resistance vastly reduces the number of insulin receptor sites or doorways on the walls of your cells. The average
healthy person has some 20,000 receptor sites per cell, while insulin resistant people can have as few as 5,000.
Insulin Resistance happens from long term hypoglycemia, causing the pancreas to overproduce insulin. The cells are
overwhelmed by the excess of insulin and consequently reduce the number of active insulin receptors. This leaves too
few sites for insulin to carry out its normal function of unlocking the cell for the glucose to pass inside and be
converted into energy. The excess insulin is rejected and is left to float freely in the bloodstream, creating unbalanced
hormone levels.
If you have too few receptor sites, glucose bounces off the cell wall, instead of passing through the insulin door to be
burned as energy. With the cell door almost closed to it, glucose remains in the blood stream, causing elevated levels
of blood sugar, which are sent to the liver. Once there, the sugar is converted into fat and stored via the blood stream
throughout the body. This process can lead to weight gain and obesity, key factors in creating PCOS.
Insulin is also essential for stimulating or maintaining the protein synthesis of many cells, as well as stimulating cells to
take up glucose for storage as glycogen or fat. The cells which store glycogen (mainly muscle cells) or fat (adipose fat
cells) have the ability to withdraw their insulin receptors from the surface when the cell of full of glycogen or fat, or if
it has been inactive for a long time. This is called ‘down regulation’ of the insulin receptors.
This emphasizes the importance of taking a walk or some form of gentle exercise every week, as well as eating healthy
nutritious food.
The flip side of the coin is that if cells that have been depleted of glycogen by eating refined foods, not eating
regularly, not eating enough nutrient rich foods, crash dieting, over exercising or anything else along these lines, the
insulin receptors return to the surface rapidly, making the cells hypersensitive to insulin in the blood.
46
PCOS AND INSULIN RESISTANCE
Excess insulin stimulates the ovaries to produce large amounts of the male hormone testosterone, which may prevent
the ovaries from releasing an egg each month, thus causing infertility. High levels of insulin also increase the
conversion of androgens (male hormones) to estrogens (female hormones), upsetting a delicate balance between the
two and having a direct effect on weight gain and the formation of cystic follicles or cysts in the ovary.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Today, estimates are that 10 to 20 percent of women have PCOS. It is probably even higher among young women,
which could put PCOS in the league of epidemic.
What Is PCOS?
PCOS is the name given to multiple cysts on the ovaries. This can cause lack of ovulation (anovulation), menstrual
abnormalities, facial hair, male pattern baldness, acne and often obesity. This is also because of higher than normal
levels of androgens in the system.
It is extremely common that women suffering from PCOS also suffer from insulin resistance or full blown diabetes and
often low bone density.
PCOS is triggered from a lack of ovulation. When ovulation does not occur, the ovaries stop their elevated production
of both progesterone and oestrogen. The cycle is thrown out of it’s normal functioning and any follicle that makes it
to the outside of the ovary but does not “pop” an egg, subsequently turns into a cyst. The lack of progesterone is
detected in the hypothalamus. Which continues to try and stimulate the ovary by increasing the GRH, which in turn
increases the FSH and the LH. This stimulates the ovaries to produce more oestrogen and androgens, which
stimulates more follicles toward ovulation. If these in addition are unable to produce progesterone or mature ovum’s,
there becomes a build up of cysts forming and a lack of progesterone to balance out the menstrual cycle and support
the rest of the body.
Why Haven't Doctors Figured This Out?
There are several reasons why doctors don't recognize the role of progesterone deficiency in PCOS. They may not be
aware that the hypothalamus responds not only to the rise and fall of estrogen, but also to the rise and fall of
progesterone. Since standard tests usually indicate that a woman with PCOS has plenty of estrogen, and she is still
having periods, the doctor assumes she is still ovulating and producing plenty of progesterone.
47
PMS PMS is not normal. Pre‐menstrual Syndrome is characterised by a number of symptoms that make up a “syndrome”. If
all hormones are balanced menstruation should be a relatively trouble‐free occurance.
PMS is a disorder characterized by a set of hormonal changes that trigger disruptive symptoms in a significant number
of women for up to two weeks prior to menstruation. Often symptoms tend to taper off with menstruation and
women remain symptom‐free until the two weeks or so prior to the next menstrual period. These regularly recurring
symptoms from ovulation until menses typify PMS, premenstrual syndrome.
Over 150 symptoms have been attributed to PMS. After complaints of feeling "out‐of‐control", anxious, depressed and
having uncontrollable crying spells, the most common complaints are headache and fatigue. But symptoms may vary
from month to month and there may even be symptom‐free months. No women present with all the PMS symptoms.
Characteristically symptoms may be both physical and emotional. They may include physical symptoms as headache,
migraine, fluid retention, fatigue, constipation, painful joints, backache, abdominal cramping, heart palpitations and
weight gain. Emotional and behavioral changes may include anxiety, depression, irritability, panic attacks, tension,lack
of co‐ordination, decreased work or social performance and altered libido.
The primary hormonal disturbance in PMS is elevated oestrogen levels and low progesterone levels. This can lead to
low levels of serotonin (a feel good neurotransmitter) as well as impaired liver function, low endorphin levels (pain
relieving substances) and increased aldosterone secretion (responsible for oedema).
In addition, fluctuations in insulin, thyroid and adrenal hormones caused by stress, low nutrient status, caffeine, sugar,
saturated fats and little exercise can have a knock‐on effect.
In the 1950’s Dr Katherina Dalton went around various mental institutes and prisons in the UK. She monitored which
women had emotional outbursts, usually depressive or aggressive in nature, during the two weeks before
menstruation. She used natural progesterone on all of these women, varying in dosage according to their symptoms.
Some of the cases were so extreme, they included arson and murder. She managed to get hundreds of women
released when they showed clear signs of normalization on the natural progesterone.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis affects approximately 20% of women worldwide during the years from puberty to menopause, rarely
after. The endometrium is found growing in places other than the uterus. It is most often found in the pelvic area, on
the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, the back and front of the uterus, the intestines and the bladder. But it is also been found
in the eye, brain, lungs, diaphragm and skin. As the cells within the endometrium in the uterus swell and grow with
48
the rise of oestrogen in the first part of the cycle, so do all the misplaced endometrial cells, giving rise to pain, from
mild to extremely severe. Other symptoms are lower back pain, painful sex, painful bowel movements or upon
urination, spotting between periods, fatigue and infertility.
Two theories have been proposed for the cause of endometriosis.
1. Endometrial cells migrate up the Fallopian tubes and embed in the pelvic area. Somewhat lacking in validity,
as it cannot explain how migrating cells can be found in the brain, lungs, skin etc.
2. Another line of research believes the problem starts as the foetus is forming in the uterus. Exposure to too
much oestrogen, either endogenous or xeno‐oestrogens, causes some endometrial cells to be deposited in
other areas, instead of in the endometrium where they should be. When the child reaches puberty they of
course develop too, with the resulting problems.
Symptoms of Endometriosis:
• Pain before and during periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Cramping at any time of the cycle
• Painful bowel movements
• Fatigue
• Painful urination
• Infertility
• Gastrointestinal upset such as diarrhea, constipation and nausea
Interestingly, many of these accompanying conditions are associated with candida yeast overgrowth.
Although no one knows the cause research has found the following markers:
The enzyme aromatase converts androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol. It’s found in the brain,
endometrium, endometriosis tissue, fibroids, ovaries, placenta, testes, also in breast and endometrial caner.
It’s activity is increased by alcohol, age, cortisol, insulin and obesity amongst others, and decreased by progesterone.
Fibroids
The uterus is one of the first organs to manifest symptoms when a woman's hormones are out of balance. Women
with PMS often experience painful periods (dysmenorrhea) which are most often caused when the endometrial lining
of the uterus extends into the muscular wall of the uterus (adenomyosis). When shedding of the endometrium occurs
49
(menstruation), the blood is released into the muscular lining, causing severe pain. The problem can often be simply
resolved by restoring proper progesterone levels, which restores normal growth and shedding of the endometrium.
Oestrogen dominance causes the uterus to grow, and without the monthly balancing effect of progesterone, it
doesn't have the proper signals to stop growing. In some women this results in an enlarged uterus that presses on
other organs, such as the bladder, and often on the digestive system, and generally causes discomfort and heavy
menstrual bleeding. In other women estrogen dominance results in fibroids, which are tough, fibrous, non‐cancerous
lumps that grow in the uterus. Some fibroids can grow to the size of a grapefruit or cantaloupe, causing constant
bleeding and such heavy menstrual periods that the blood loss is akin to hemorrhaging.
Perimenopause
From the around the age of 35 women begin to not ovulate every month. It is ovulation that triggers the major
amount of progesterone that is produced in the body which happens in the ovaries. Therefore one progesterone
levels start dropping as ovulation fades out. This is a normal process and should be free of symptoms if the hormone
and body health is in balance.
Here are some of the commonly mentioned symptoms:
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Heavy bleeding
• Irritability
• Fuzzy thinking
• Hot flashes and night sweats
• Palpitations / rapid heart rate
• Memory difficulties (fuzzy thinking)
• Mood swings
• depression
• weight gain
Premature menopause
Premature menopause is technically defined as menopause that occurs before the age of 40. You stop ovulating and
your periods stop completely years before the "normal" age of menopause. When you’re going through early
50
menopause, you’ll notice symptoms that are the same as those for women in perimenopause — hot flashes, changes
in your period, night sweats, mood swings and the like. But you’ll notice these symptoms at a much younger age — in
your 20s, early 30s, even late teens. Your estrogen levels drop; your FSH levels rise in an effort to jumpstart your
ovarian function — but you stop ovulating and, ultimately, your periods stop altogether decades earlier than usual.
Menopause
At anytime from the age of 40 one can begin menopause. This happens when one finally runs out of eggs and its time
for the body to change out of baby making mode. At this stage the progesterone and oestrogen levels drop a little,
around 15%. This is a normal stage of life transition. When ones body is in a healthy balanced state, there should be no
symptoms present during this process.
The symptoms of an imbalanced menopause are:
Irregular periods
Decreased fertility
Vaginal dryness
Weight gain
Night sweats
Insomnia
Hot flashes
Low energy / exhaustion
Sleep disturbances
Mood swings
Loss of breast fullness
Anxiety
Forgetfulness
Irritability
Increased abdominal fat
Thinning hair
Infertility
The levels of progesterone in a woman's body rise and fall dramatically with her monthly cycles. At ovulation, the
production of progesterone rapidly rises from 2‐3mg per day to an average of 22mg per day, peaking as high as 30mg
per day a week or so after ovulation.
Dr. Katharina Dalton is one of the many scientists and doctors who have discovered that progesterone in the natural
form protects the fetus from miscarriage.
As you can see from the diagram below, the progesterone levels raised during pregnancy, to 50 times the normal
amount. If one has low progesterone levels, for instance if you normally suffer from any PMS symptoms or other
reproductive disorders, then there is a strong factor of conception difficulties.
51
Levels of progesterone during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy
Breast Dis-ease Breast cancer incidence in women has increased from one in 20 in 1960 to one in eight today.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, representing 32% of the cancers in women. One in eight
women in their lifetime will develop breast cancer. In the U.S. there are 180,000 new cases of breast cancer annually.
Breast cancer is becoming more common. One in fourteen women developed breast cancer in 1960. Between 1950
and 1987 the incidence of breast cancer rose approximately 1% per year.
Breast tissue cells are very responsive to estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen causes breast cells to proliferate,
whereas progesterone counterbalances the aggressive effects of estrogen. Many breast cancers have estrogen
receptors. It is believed that these cancerous cells will grow more rapidly if estrogen is in the body. A recent study
showed that women on bio‐identical hormones after breast cancer diagnosis had a 50% lower recurrence rate. Indole‐
3‐carbinol (I3C), derived from broccoli, inhibits the growth and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Aspirin has been
shown to decrease the risk of breast cancer by 30% because of its anti‐inflammatory action.
These risks are shown to decrease after stopping HRT, and are almost nonexistent five years after stopping. These
studies only looked at synthetic hormones, so the hormones a woman naturally produces have not been properly
evaluated. Synthetic estrogens have been shown to increase density and mitotic activity in breast tissue. Synthetic
estrogens are not only foreign to the body, but many are more aggressive than bio‐identical estrogens. The use of
52
synthetic estrogens, including birth control pills, could account for the recent increase in breast cancer.
Progesterone is cancer protective. Progesterone reduces the mitotic change in endometrial and breast tissue. It
reduces cell proliferation and it enhances natural killer cells, interleukin‐2, and the p53 molecule. Natural killer cells
and interleukin‐2 are important components of the immune system. Molecule p53 coordinates the actions of more
than 60 genes that prevent damaged cells from turning cancerous. Progesterone increases apoptosis (cell
destruction) before damaged cells convert to malignancies. Several studies have shown that the higher a woman’s
progesterone, the less likely she is of developing cancer. Synthetic progestins have been shown to increase the
incidence of breast cancer. The recent increase in breast cancer could very well be secondary to the lack of
progesterone.
Although cells in different parts of the body may look and work differently, most repair and reproduce themselves in
the same way. Normally, this division of cells takes place in an orderly and controlled manner. If, for some reason, the
process gets out of control, the cells will continue to divide, developing into a lump, which is called a tumor. Tumors
can be either benign or malignant. Doctors can tell whether a tumor is benign or malignant by examining a small
sample of cells under a microscope. This is called a biopsy.
The Johns Hopkins University conducted a 20 year study, published in 1983 in the American Journal of Epidemiology,
showing that women who had good progesterone levels had less than a fifth of the amount of breast cancer, and less
than a tenth of all the cancers that occurred in women who were low in progesterone. These outcomes suggest that
having a normal level of progesterone protected women from nine‐tenths of all cancers that might otherwise have
occurred.
Estrogen is the hormone that stimulates cell proliferation, or the growing phase. In other words, estrogen causes cells
to divide and multiply. Progesterone, on the other hand, is the hormone that stops growth and stimulates ripening. It
induces cell maturation and programmed cell death (called apoptosis).
Molecular biologist, Dr. Ben Formby of Copenhagen, Denmark and Dr. T.S. Wiley at the University of California in Santa
Barbara have researched two genes, BCL2 and P53, and their effect on female‐specific cancers and prostate cancer.
Cervical & Uterine Disease
Ovarian cancer is particularly scary because by the time it's detectable, in 70 to 80 percent of women it has already
spread to other parts of the body and thus has a high mortality rate. It accounts for nearly 20 percent of gynecologic
cancers, and it ranks fifth in cancer fatalities in women. Most ovarian cancer occurs in menopausal women around the
age of fifty.
53
Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is not as common as ovarian cancer. Generally, endometrial cancer
develops during the pre‐menopausal years when high levels of estrogen and low levels of progesterone are present.
The only known cause of endometrial cancer is unopposed estrogen.
Cancer of the cervix is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and is a leading cause of cancer‐related
death in women in underdeveloped countries. Worldwide, approximately 500,000 cases of cervical cancer are
diagnosed each year.
We know now that progesterone deficiency is linked to an increased risk of cancer. Uterine cancer, for example, is
known to be caused by unopposed estrogen.
Oestrogens are initiators because they form cancer‐causing agents, by metabolizing in a specific way. After that they
promote cancer via these receptor‐mediates processes that increase cell proliferation.
All the evidence, according to Dr Cavbalieri, implicated estrogens (including the natural hormones estradiol and
estrone), as a major cause of breast cancer [National Cancer Institute Monograph #27, Oxford University Press].
Therefore, if you use progesterone cream and avoid having extra estrogen in the body, you avoid the initiating
process.
Controlled tests indicated estradiol raised the cell proliferation rate over 200%; progesterone with estradiol brought it
back to normal. The ones with progesterone only, lowered the proliferation rate by 400%. The authors concluded that
they had shown that estrogen is truly a stimulant of breast cancer and progesterone is a protector of breast cancer.
ratio.
The BCL2 gene, therefore, stimulates the growth of cells and the risk of cancer. On the other hand, the P53 gene
promotes apoptosis or programmed cell death and thereby, reduces the risk of cancer. Estradiol up regulates or
stimulates the production of the BCL2 gene, while progesterone up regulates or stimulates the production of the P53
gene.
Therefore natural progesterone decreases the risk for several types of cancer, while unopposed estradiol causes these
same types of cancer.
In cases of hormone dependent cancers, it is critically important to maintain optimal levels of natural progesterone
and avoid the factors that would promote too much estradiol.
54
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a serious condition in which the bones become fragile. It affects about 3 million people in the UK; most
common in post‐menopausal women, but younger women and men can be affected as well. When you think of your
bones you may imagine a dead skeleton, but your bones are living tissue, just like the rest of your body, and they need
a good supply of nutrients and regular exercise. New bone is constantly being made, while old bone is being
reabsorbed and excreted by the body. Our larger long bones, such as our arm bones and leg bones, are very dense,
and they are completely replaced about every 10‐12 years. Our less dense bones, such as our spine and the ends of our
long bones, are less dense and turn over every 2‐3 years. Thus, as you can see, we always have the opportunity to be
creating better bone for ourselves.
Four out of ten white women in the U.S. will fracture a hip, spine, or forearm due to osteoporosis. As many as five out
of ten will develop small fractures in their spine, causing great pain and a shrinking in height. This amounts to 15 to 20
million people affected by a crippling and painful disease that is almost entirely preventable and reversible.
Osteoporosis is a gradual decrease in bone mass and density that can begin as early as the teen years. Bone mass
should be at its peak in our late 20s or early 30s, but thanks to a poor diet and lack of exercise, many women are
already losing bone in their 20s. Bone loss occurs more rapidly in women than in men, especially right around the time
of menopause, when an abrupt drop in estrogen and progesterone accelerates bone loss.
When our systems are acidic, from poor diet or medication, the body has to alkalize the blood by buffering the acidity
with minerals. The only place it can claim minerals from in the body (without getting mineral rich foods in) is from the
bones.
The most important element of bones is minerals. Without minerals we don't have bones. The most important bone
minerals are calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and fluoride. Equally important is the balance between the
minerals. Too much phosphorous or fluoride will create poor bone structure. (Nearly all of us already ingest too much
fluoride.) Without enough magnesium, the calcium can't be absorbed onto the bone. Vitamins are also involved. For
example, vitamin B6 works with magnesium to get calcium onto your bones.
The hormones testosterone, estrogen and progesterone are also actively involved in the making and unmaking of
bone. Testosterone and progesterone build bone, while estrogen appears to indirectly slow bone loss.
In osteoporosis, the old bone is being reabsorbed faster than new bone is being made, causing the bones to lose
density and become thinner and more porous. The integrity and strength of our bones is related to bone mass and
density. The bones of a woman with osteoporosis gradually become thinner and more fragile. A progressive loss of
bone mass may continue until the skeleton is no longer strong enough to support itself. When that happens, bones
55
can spontaneously fracture. As bones become more fragile, falls or bumps that would not have hurt us before, can
cause a fracture. Bone loss seems to be most severe in the spine, wrists and hips. Unfortunately there are usually no
signs or symptoms of osteoporosis until a fracture occurs.
Early Signs of Osteoporosis
Sudden insomnia and restlessness
Nightly leg and foot cramps
Persistent low back pain
Gum disease, loose teeth
Gradual loss of height
High Dose Cortisone
Progesterone gives bones the message to grow; the cortisones give bones the message to stop growing. If you must
be on cortisone, talk to your doctor about using a low dose natural cortisone called hydrocortisone rather than the
synthetic cortisones. You can refer him or her to the book Safe Uses of Cortisol by William Jefferies.
Fibrocystic Breast Disease
Fibrocystic breast disease cannot be definitively differentiated from breast cancer or breast fibroadenoma on clinical
criteria alone; pain, cyclic variations in size, high mobility, and multiplicity of nodules – indicative of FBD; non‐invasive
procedures (ultrasonography and medical thermography) are helpful, but definite procedure is biopsy.
Diagnostic Summary
• Very common: 20‐40% of premenopausal women
• Pain or premenstrual breast pain and tenderness common, although the condition is often asymptomatic.
• Cyclic and bilateral with multiple cysts of varying sizes giving breast nodular consistency.
Increased oestrogen‐to‐progesterone ratio; during menstrual cycle there is recurring biphasic stimulation of the breast
– (1) proliferation of breast tissue by oestrogen’s, (2) alveolar secretary activity by progesterone – followed by period
of involution; in many women these changes are slight and clinically signs are asymptomatic; in others, significant
inflammation occurs.
General Considerations
Benign fibrocystic breast disease (FBD) (“cystic mastitis”) is a component of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); risk
factor for breast cancer, but not as significant as family history, early menarche, and late or no first pregnancy.
56
Part 3 – HEALING TOOLS
Following the universal law of cause and effect, we have established the negative consequence of this rule. It is time
to put into practice the positive effect and give our bodies all the tools needed to keep our hormones happy and
healthy.
Colon Clarity
One of the front line defenses is proper gastrointestinal function. In patients with unhealthy bowel function or
irritable bowel syndrome, there is a chemical process that occurs within the G.I. Tract that can inhibit the excretion of
unwanted estrogens from the body and promote their re‐absorption. Just what we don't need.
The colon’s main function is the re‐absorption of nutrients and water into our bodies and the elimination of toxic
wastes through regular bowel movements. When the bowel is impacted, however, problems arise such as
constipation, hemorrhoids, ulcerative colitis and colon cancer. Common symptoms resulting from accumulated toxins
in the bowel can include headaches, skin rashes, bad breath, allergy symptoms, PMS, fatigue, depression, irritability,
bloating, and frequent infections.
The average adult has between 5 and 25 pounds of compacted waste in their bowels! A good colon cleanse would be
of great benefit to many people.
Nerve endings in the gut lining connect to almost every organ system in the body, and even to the brain. The gut
manufactures our brain’s neurotransmitters such as serotonin, required for healthy mood and feelings of happiness,
for mental focus and concentration, and more. Digestive mucus acts as a slide to pass unwanted material along to the
next part of the digestive tract, thereby preventing entry to the bloodstream, since capillaries feed right into the
digestive tract.
Enzymes in the gut break down foods and toxins, prior to being further filtered by the liver, the body’s amazingly
extensive chemical conversion plant. Enzymes also create chemical bonds with nutrients to enhance their uptake,
thereby serving a dual role in breakdown of nutrients and toxins, as well as building up the chemical bonds for
nutrient use.
Friendly bacteria (probiotics) break down milk and other proteins, assist immunity, play a role in maintaining the
integrity of the gut barrier, and help to keep unfriendly digestive bacteria in check. In fact, between the digestive
lining itself as one of the first immune barriers, the mucus and enzyme secretions thereof, the hydrochloric acid in the
57
stomach, and the friendly bacteria colonizing the entire body system, the gut lining and its secretions represents an
amazing eighty percent of the body’s immune system! Now that is a foundational element to one’s good health, isn’t it!
The microflora in the gut make vitamins, B vitamins, minerals and amino acids. They change gene expression and can
turn degenerative genes off. There are more absorbtion sites in the gut wall for minerals than for anything else – our
diet should be predominantly mineral based. Probiotics also activate the uptake of T3 from the thyroid into the
bloodstream.
“...up to 90% of diseases are due to improper functioning of the colon." ‐ Dr. John Harvey Kellogg
"Every physician should realize that the intestinal toxemia (poisons) are the most important primary and contributing
causes of many disorders and the diseases of the human body." ‐ Dr. Anthony Bassler, Gastroenterologist
Dr. Bernard Jensen defined autointoxication as "the poisoning of the body, or some part of the body, by toxic matter
generated therein. Autointoxication is self‐poisoning, or slow suicide....."
Probiotic Supplements—Your intestines need certain “friendly” bacteria (probiotics) to perform all of their
functions, including the suppression and elimination of pathogenic microorganisms. Probiotics can also help restore
alkalinity to an acidified intestinal tract thereby assuring that electrolytes will not be lost because of intestines overrun
with acidic bacteria. A particularly helpful probiotic is Bifidobacterium infantis.
Taking a good quality probiotic supplement andeating cultured foods, saurkraut, kombucha, kefir, fermented grains,
etc are all essential to reestablish gut and immune health.
Colon Cleanse
a) Drink eight 8‐oz glasses of water daily as above, to soften encrusted stool matter and to flush body tissues.
Fresh‐squeezed lemon juice is important too, because sour flavors stimulate the flow of bile from the liver and vitamin
C aids detoxification. Bile, in turn, aids bowel evacuation and counters constipation. Administer probiotic supplements
along with the daily 8 glasses of water.
b) Cleansing protocol – Do a thorough Candida detox and go for at least two colonics during this period. The Blessed
Herbs Intestinal Cleanse is profound at clearing out toxic sludge through your whole intestinal tract.
c) Aloe is a fanatastic gut cleanser and healer.
58
Liver Longevity The liver is one of the most important organs in your body. Located in the upper right part of the abdominal chamber,
the liver filters out toxins and waste products from the blood. Additionally, it manufactures proteins, metabolizes fats,
stores essential nutrients and carbohydrates, and makes and secretes bile, which aids in the proper digestion of food.
Detoxification of estrogens occurs primarily through two pathways in the liver. The first conversion step in these
pathways creates either 2‐Hydroxyestrone or 16‐alpha‐Hydroxyestrone. These chemical names aren't necessary for
your understanding; just realize that one is helpful, the other toxic.
- Milk Thistle and Dandelion combination are amazing at cleansing, tonifying and supporting the liver.
- Vitamin C and Malic Acid (from apples), both help break down any solid build ups that are blocking the liver
pathways.
Many natural health proponents such as Dr. Linda Page, author of "Healthy Healing's Detoxification," also recommend
a routine "liver cleanse" to help rid it of accumulated toxins and recharge its efficiency. One of the most common and
widely praised methods of liver cleansing is the use of apple cider vinegar (ACV), which Dr. Page calls a "powerful
remedy for resolving liver stagnation and indigestion." Practitioners of liver cleansing say ACV's combination of
vitamins, minerals and alkalinity help rid the liver of harmful substances and help keep the body's pH levels from
becoming too acidic, a condition that can make a person more vulnerable to disease. Here are some ways to use apple
cider vinegar to cleanse your liver.
Make an apple cider vinegar tonic. Mix 1 or 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar with 6 to 8 ounces of water. Add
natural sweetener like honey if you wish. Use this as a daily tonic and drink three times a day before meals.
Oestrogen Inhibitors
Certain compounds in plants, called flavonoids and indoles, are known to possess antioxidant and anti‐cancerous
properties. Recent studies reveal that some of these compounds have the capacity to affect estrogen metabolism,
working as estrogen inhibitors.
Since we live in an "over‐estrogenic world", loaded with overwhelming amounts of estrogenic chemicals, it makes
sense to regard estrogen promoters as "bad guys" and estrogen inhibitors as "good guys". In an ideal world, both
anti‐estrogenic and pro‐estrogenic substances play important roles in supporting our metabolic system.
It is the buildup of the 16‐alpha‐Hydroxyestrone that causes most of the female health problems mentioned earlier.
These hormonal by‐products affect DNA, cause cells to divide and grow abnormally or block the use of normal
estrogens and progesterone at the cellular level. Studies show that women with breast cancer have 50 times more
estrogen in their breast tissue than do women without cancer.
59
Recent lab studies found that estrogen inhibitors work better when combined together. A stack of estrogen inhibitors
have shown to provide a superior defense against excess estrogen. Though the research on plant estrogen inhibitors
is still young, there is a growing amount of evidence as to the potential benefits of plant compounds (phytonutrients)
in treating metabolic problems, including estrogen related disorders and lowering the risk for cancer.
In a nut shell, the "good guys" are estrogen inhibiting compounds in plants (flavonoids and indoles). Found in
passiflora, chamomile, bee products, citrus fruits, onion, garlic, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower,
brussel sprouts and cabbage).
Estrogen Inhibiting Raw Foods:
Tapioca
Squashes
Pineapples
Pears
Onions
Millet
Melons
Green beans
Grapes
Fruits (except what's on the other list)
Figs
Corn
Citris
Cabbage
Buckwheat
Broccoli
Passiflora (Passion Flower) ‐ Chrysin is a bioflavonoid that has been shown to inhibit aromatase activity.
Chamomile, contains estrogen inhibiting compounds flavonoids and indoles.
Chasteberry – Agnus Castus – balances estrogen and progesterone
Resveratrol ‐ This bioflavonoid occurs naturally in grapes has been shown to inhibit breast cancer cell growth in
vitro. It has been classified as a phytoestrogen based on its ability to bind to and activate the ER, with recent in
vitro studies indicating that it exhibits estrogenic and anti‐estrogenic activity and binds to ERa and ERb with
comparable affinity. These estrogen modulatory effects may explain resveratrol's well‐ known anticancer and
cardioprotective properties.
Curcumin is the yellow pigment of turmeric ‐ the chief ingredient in curry. It is a powerful anti‐inflammatory agent
60
and it works to inhibit all steps of cancer formation: initiation, promotion, and progression. Curcumin also
protects against inflammatory calcium loss from our bones preventing osteoporosis.
Milk thistle enhances detoxification from the liver, inhibits breast cancer cells from replicating and reduces the
toxic effects of chemotherapy.
Rosemary extract, a potent antioxidant, inhibits mammary cancer development and it helps to detoxify
carcinogenic estrogens.
Vitamin E ‐ Researchers, who knew that progesterone protected against the toxic effects of estrogen, described
vitamin E as the "progesterone‐sparing agent," since so many of its antiestrogenic effects resembled those of
progesterone. Many of the events involved in inflammation are increased by estrogen, and decreased by vitamin
E. Estrogen causes capillaries to become leaky; vitamin E does the opposite. Estrogen increases platelet
aggregation, and decreases a factor that inhibits platelet aggregation; vitamin E does the opposite. Excess
clotting is known to be caused by too much estrogen, and also by a vitamin E deficiency. Estrogen increases
progstaglandin synthesis, vitamin E decreases their synthesis.
Omega 3 ‐ omega‐3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been shown to increase C‐2
hydroxylation and decrease C‐16a hydroxylation of estradiol in breast cancer cells. Breast cancer cells exposed to
EPA (omega 3 fatty acids) promotes detoxification down the correct pathway. ‐ Chia seeds, Hemp seeds and
salmon oil.
Indole‐3‐Carbinol (l3C) I3C is a naturally occurring compound derived from cruciferous vegetables such as
broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage that actively promotes the breakdown of estrogen to the beneficial
metabolite, 2‐OH. Therefore, I3C is protective to estrogen‐sensitive tissues and may be beneficial to those with
health issues related to estrogen dominance. – Broccoli sprouts are best.
Kelp ‐ contain a live source iodine that can effectively and rapidly detoxify these xeno‐estrogenic compounds, the
glyconutrients in seaweeds are essential for good health.
GLA ‐ gamma‐linoleic acid (GLA) is very helpful in blocking or “softening” the inflammatory effects of estrogen.
These are: Evening Primrose Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, and Borage Seed Oil. Dr. Ryan can assess for you which is
the best form of GLA and what your ideal dosage is. A common dose is: 500 mg Evening Primrose Oil, 3 caps once
a day.
B vitamins – Bee Pollen ‐ The B vitamins, such as B6, B12 and folate, function as important cofactors for enzymes
involved in estrogen conjugation and methylation. Therefore, decreased levels of B vitamins can disrupt estrogen
detoxification and lead to increased levels of circulating estrogens. B vitamins also playa role in the prevention of
cancer because they are crucial for DNA synthesis and repair as well as the process of DNA methylation, which is
essential for DNA stability and integrity and is an important regulator of gene expression.
Magnesium ‐ Magnesium is an essential cofactor for the COMT enzyme, and therefore optimizes the methylation
and excretion of catechol estrogens. Magnesium also promotes estrogen detoxification by directly increasing the
activity of glucuronyl transferase, an enzyme involved in hepatic glucuronidation. The cyclical changes can
produce many of the well‐known symptoms of PMS in women who are deficient in magnesium and/or calcium.‐
Topical spray magnesium.
61
Liquid Zeolite ‐ Liquid zeolite can help remove environmental estrogens as it chelates chemicals and heavy
metals from the body.
Living Food and Vibrant Hormones So what is all the hype about this living raw food stuff?
The simple answer is, it is purely a remembering. It seems very clear that we humans have forgotten how to eat food!
A strange concept, yet obviously true. We have become so caught up in the fact that we can manipulate things, we
clearly did not think about the consequence of manipulating our living source of nourishment ‐ food. Well the
outcome is now rife on the planet. We are dealing with more diseases than have ever existed before in history. We
have forgotten the simple fact, that we eat food to supply our bodies with nutrients and life force energy.
So what is raw food? Eating raw, organic, wholefood plants which are the best source of all our essential nutrients.
Little pills are not going to do it people, we are human beings, we were born on land that was once covered in a huge
abundance of our natural food source.....plants. Eating junk food then taking synthetic supplements, made from the
same stuff as the oil you put in your car, is not the journey to health, abundant energy and happiness. There is no
better nourishment than the beautiful food that you can grow in your own garden.
We were foragers for thousands of years, eating a small amount of animal products, eggs and fish once in a while. Our
diet was predominantly made up of raw, living plants, fruit, seeds and some nuts. Even when we cooked food, it was
only some of our tougher vegetables, we have always eaten a high amount of raw plant foods in our diets, especially
dark green leaves.
The healthy balance is 80% raw organic plant foods. The other 20% includes the cooked foods, oil foods and any animal
foods.
Minerals What is hunger?
Huger is the body’s search for minerals!
Minerals are coders and they conduct the electrical flow within the body. Out of all the nutrient receptors in the gut,
60% are for minerals. For our body to absorb nutrients, the minerals and enzymes have the job of telling them all
62
where to go. If we eat high mineral food, we get full a lot easier because our cells have what they need to work. We
don’t feel stuffed and have high energy levels to get on with the day.
In short it is very easy to over‐eat, waste energy, time and money on mineral deficient food. It leaves you feeling
bloated, tired, and still hungry as you haven’t given your body the minerals it is craving. Usually we end up eating
more of the same thing, especially sugar and other stimulants, to wake us up. This creates a perpetually swing
between feeling sluggish or briefly wired, while our body struggles to process the toxins we are constantly ingesting.
Minerals are the grounds for all the major cellular processes in the body.
95% of our body’s activities are dependant on minerals.
If your mineral levels are balanced:
‐ It enables you to absorb your nutrients, proteins and essential fatty acids.
‐ It helps your colon work efficiently.
‐ It keeps your metabolism balanced.
‐ It feeds your endocrine system to keep your glands producing the right balance of hormones.
‐ It helps relieve water retention.
‐ It alkalizes your body.
Every dark green leaf and sea vegetable contains the highest level and variety of minerals out of all the normal food
sources on the planet. There is more absorbable calcium and magnesium a plate of dark green leaves than there is in a
glass of milk.
So forget cow juice and have a go at green juice, one of the most fantastic ways of ingesting high amounts of
minerals, enzymes. proteins and chlorophyll.
Remember it is not about just stepping into a natural lifestyle, right now life is about reversing the damage that has
once been. Therefore things like green juicing are a fabulous, easy way of ingesting high amounts of nutrients that
our body is desperately needing to get back on the track of regeneration and detoxing. The chlorophyll in all dark
greens is essential to chelate chemicals out of our blood and tissue. A great food source and a great healing source,
just the way all food should be.
Where do we get minerals from?
Yes, we all know that we can walk into a pharmacy and pick up a tub of multi‐mineral tablets. Well most of the time, it
is a waste of time and money. In cases of extreme deficiency it is good to have a three‐month boost with some
chelated, whole food, organic supplements. You won’t find these in an average pharmacy.
63
Mineral foods:
- Ocean foods especially seaweed. There are many different types of seaweed and many ways of using it. It is
a forgotten food that has been eaten by various cultures through the centuries. It is the best source of
minerals and all the glyconutrients! You can get seaweed complex powders that are brilliant to take
everyday. Just mix them in juice.
- Everything dark green, especially leaves: ‐ Rocket / Spinach / Watercress / All herbs
- Himalayan Rock Salt – This tastes exactly like normal salt, but it has extremely low sodium content and is very
high in essential minerals.
- Wheatgrass & Barleygrass
- Spiralina
- Chlorella
- All naturally bitter foods e.g. celery
Iodine is a trace element that is vital to the health of the thyroid gland. It also provides the building blocks for the
hormones secreted by the thyroid. Common kelp (laminaria or kombu) and other seaweeds contain a high proportion
of iodine. This restricts its use on a long‐term basis, but it is only by long‐term inclusion in the diet that the full benefits
of the seaweed will be realised.
Why do people practice juicing?
When we juice food it enables us to consume a very high concentration of nutrients in one glass.
Isn’t this un‐natural? – I used to think so, but it is a logical solution to the environment that we live in. We have an un‐
natural amount of toxins in our atmosphere that we need the anti‐oxidants, etc to flush them out of our system. We
use an unnatural amount of energy everyday (remember that thinking uses a huge amount of energy), a lot of which is
stress, which creates toxins in our cells.
Therefore it is a wonderful tool, to be able to ingest a huge amount of nutrients in one go.
Fruit ‐ When I talk about juicing, I’m referring to mainly vegetable juice, not just fruit juice. Much to contrary belief, we
do not need to ingest a huge amount of fruit to be healthy. If you only eat fruit for more than a couple of hours, it
spikes your blood sugar level as it has high sugar content. It is not a sustaining food. The benefits of fruit are vitamins,
anti‐oxidants which you will get in all vegetables and high levels of digestive enzymes, which on a balanced diet your
body should contain a good amount of. Too much fruit can also make one a bit acidic. In short, fruit is good organic
only and in moderation.
64
Vegetables – Now vegetable juicing is where it is at. If you have a sweet tooth, it is fine to use some apples or grapes
to sweeten the vegetable juice in the beginning. If you are using mainly organic, you will find that just adding carrots
and beetroots creates a definite sweetness, instead of fruit, if you don’t believe me try it yourself. If you have a lot of
carrots, beetroot, sweet potato or fruit in your juice, this is actually high in sugar; it can easily spike your blood sugar
level if you drink too much. It is not advisable to drink a high ratio of those if you are diabetic. Cucumber is a good one
to add bulk without the sugar. Ginger and celery are great, and then add all the greens. The greens are the most
alkalizing and your mineral treasure chest!!! I can happily juice any vegetable now. For a more mild taste add more
cucumber. Remember the darker green stuff is the real key!!!
The major vegetable juicing points:
- It’s cleansing and alkalizing
- It is a strong source of enzymes to digest food and prevent unnecessary aging
- It is a high concentration of nutrients – half a bottle of common supplements could not compare to a large
glass of green juice
- It is incredibly easy to absorb the nutrients in this format – one absorbs a very small percentage of common
supplements
- It is quick and easy to make and drink
- It is one of the best ways of getting anti‐oxidants into our bodies
- It is a brilliant source of oxygen to feed our cells
- It helps the body stay clean and therefore keeps the immune system strong
- It contains nutrients that are mentally calming
If you do not have a juicer, I promise you there will be somewhere in your vicinity that makes vegetable juices. If not,
invest in a juicer and set up your own business, because you will make money out of it!
Wheatgrass and Barleygrass
Why do we drink these juices?
‐ Because they contain up to 70% chlorophyll. Chlorophyll feeds and purifies your blood. It heals and regenerates
tissue. It is anti‐aging and an anti‐oxidant and is very alkalizing. It also contains the following
- All the amino acids, therefore it is one of the highest quality proteins.
- Essential enzymes.
- Essential vitamins and minerals.
If you do not have a juicer that can juice grasses, then the next best option is to buy them in powder form and add one
or two spoons to your juice.
65
Proteins - Amino Acids What is your main fuel?
‐ Protein! Protein is made up of chains of amino acids. They are your main source of energy for your body. Some
amino acids build the muscle, bone and connective tissue. Others are involved in the essential workings of your brain
and your glands that create important hormones.
Protein is the most talked about nutrient as it was the first one found under the microscope and unfortunately the one
with the most attention burned upon it. Yes we need protein and yes we need all 22 amino acids. Each one has a
different role. The key with amino acids is that it is more about variety than amount. We only need between 4% and 9%
actual protein in our diets. 11 out of the 22 amino’s are heat sensitive and die over 45C. Therefore the best is raw, plant
protein.
The high grade plant based proteins are much easier for your body to absorb, therefore they do not make you tired
after eating, as they use a fraction of the energy for digestion than animal based proteins do. I’m not saying become a
vegetarian; just know that meat and dairy are not high grade, easily absorbable protein. If you do eat them only each
fresh, free‐range or organic. Anything else is just plane poison.
Where do the big mammals get their protein from?........the same thing that is easy for us to eat, green leaves! If you
were ever in any doubt that we cannot get protein from leaves have a look at the muscles on a wild horse! All leaves
baby, all leaves. So yes, every single type of protein that we need, we can get with ease, eat with ease and absorb
with ease from plants. Simple. Plants have between 8% and 11% protein and we only need between 4% and 9% protein.
So no need to stress, you are getting everything that you need. You need enzymes, minerals and raw fats to absorb
your protein, again that eliminates the ease and effectiveness of absorbing protein from animals, yet with plants like
avocado's and olives you have the whole package deal going down.
Unfortunately for the sake of mass money making, there a few people on this planet that have taken the fact that
some races ate some meat, and blown the idea far out of proportion. With the use of consistent programming they
have convinced the entire world that we get our protein from meat and need ridiculously high levels of it.
Dr Colin Campbell, the beautiful man who spent 40 years of his life doing the biggest nutritional scientific study ever
done on this planet, came up with incredible findings. He wrote a book called the China Study. It is quite simple, as
money buys popularity, the clear, unbiased research showing how harmful animal products are for humans when
consumed at a level higher than 5% of our diet, has been nicely buried over the years. Dr Campbell has discovered the
original research and added his current research, which he is now bringing to the masses.
66
Here are some of the best plant protein sources.
- Sprouts
- Avocado’s
- Olives
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Quinoa
- Wheatgrass
Amino Acids and their Sources
Amino Acid Use Five sources
Alanine Helps skin, scalp, hair,
adrenal glands
Almonds, avocados, olives, cucumbers,
apples
Arginine
Helps muscles, reproductive
organs, bones and prevents
ulcers
Hemp seeds, cucumbers, alfalfa, carrots,
beetroot, celery
Aspartic Acid Help bones, teeth, lungs,
respiratory system
Hemp seeds, lemons, grapefruit, almonds,
apples, cucumbers
Cystine Helps hair and red blood
cells
Apples, currants, raspberries, hazel nuts,
alfalfa
Glutamic acid
Helps secretion of digestive
juices, enzymatic action in
liver, prevents anaemia
Hemp seed, raw string beans, papaya,
carrots, cabbage, celery
Glycine Helps form bones, muscles
and sex hormones
Okra, almonds, figs, oranges, lemons,
raspberries
Histidine Helps control mucus
membrane
Cucumbers, apples, pineapples, papaya,
radish
67
Hydroxyproline Helps work of liver,
gallbladder
Cucumber, almonds, coconut, avocado,
olives
Iodogorgoic Acid Glandular system Tomatoes, pineapple, seaweed, carrot,
celery
Isoleucine
Glands, regulates
metabolism, regenerates
red corpuscles
Most nuts except peanuts, cashews or
chestnuts
Leucine
Glands, regulates
metabolism, regenerates
red corpuscles
Most nuts except peanuts, cashews or
chestnuts
Lysine Liver, Gall bladder Cucumbers, papaya, apples, apricots,
carrots
Methionine Spleen, pancreas and lymph
gland
Apples, pineapple, cabbage, cauliflower,
kale
Norleucine Most nuts except peanuts, cashews or
chestnuts
Phenylalanin Eliminates waste matter Cucumbers, tomatoes, apples, pineapple,
carrot
Proline Breakdown of fats Cucumber, almond, coconut, avocado,
olives
Serine Cleaning Tissue Cucumbers, papaya, apples, pineapple,
radishes
Threonine Exchange of amino acid in
body
Papaya, carrots, alfalfa and green leafy
vegetables
Thyroxine Glands Tomatoes, pineapple, seaweeds, carrots,
lettuce
Tryptophan Gastric juices, generation of
cells and tissues
Spring beans, carrots, beetroot, celery,
fennel
Tyrosine Hair colour, cell and tissue
building and glandular
Cucumbers, green peppers, almonds,
strawberries, apricots
68
activity
Valine Glands Almonds, squash, tomatoes, apples,
carrots
What are the best protein sources?
Even though we are being bombarded on a daily basis by hormone disruptors, the latest researchers that
trust in “nature providing, no matter what” have found…
Superfoods! So what are superfoods?
They are various plants from around the world that have been found to have the highest content of essential
nutrients. They are complete whole foods and the body absorbs the nutrients from these plantswith absolute ease.
Now that there are such low nutrient levels in our normal foods, we have had to look to the more protected parts of
the world, where wild foods are still super rich in all the nutrients that our body’s need! In a time when we are
reverting to low grade supplements to attempt to make up for the lack of nutrients in our common low grade food,
superfoods have saved the day! Like little superhero’s they provide more live easily absorbable nutrients, energy and
healing abilities than any supplement ever could.
The following are the best protein superfoods:
Spiralina
Spirulina is 65% protein, the highest source of protein found in any food (it contains all 8 essential amino acids). The lack of hard
cellular walls assures that Spirulina protein is rapidly and easily assimilated by consuming organisms. Most plant foods are not
complete proteins because they usually lack one or more amino acids.
69
Unfortunately, the body cannot store amino acids in anticipation of deficient ones eventually arriving in subsequent meals. To
synthesize protein for the body's repair and maintenance, all dietary protein factors must be present simultaneously or the amino
acids are wasted.
Furthermore, even if complete protein is consumed, digestive difficulties can prevent assimilation of all needed elements. Spirulina
provides all the required amino acids, and in a form that is five times easier to digest than meat.
Spirulina is the world's highest known plant‐source of vitamin B‐12 and also includes vitamins A, B‐1, B‐2, B‐6, E, K, cell salts,
phytonutrients, and enzymes. The ancient Aztecs thrived on Spirulina from Lake Texcoco in Mexico.
Along with all other dark green plants, Spirulina contains an extremely high amount of chlorophyll. There are many benefits of
chlorophyll, really too many to list in detail in this article, since it has been used to fight many different diseases, but I hope to give
you a basic understanding of a few of its benefits. They are: purification of the blood, liver, constipation and gas corrector,
emphysema, abscesses of the liver and kidney, kidney stones, and it has also been shown to be an excellent topical for infections
and burns! Chlorophyll contains properties that break down carbon dioxide, and release oxygen, which kills bacteria. It has even
been used in deep surgical wounds! Its absence of toxicity, and promotion of repair tissue/skin, and soothing qualities makes it a
miracle antiseptic, and it is my belief that if it could be patented, it would be, along with the air we breathe.
- Spiralina Powder – This is a complete protein.
It is a brilliant anti‐oxidant.
It has lots of vitamins and minerals.
It is extremely high in chlorophyll.
It is rich in enzymes.
It contains vit B12.
It is in a format that makes it extremely easy for the body to absorb these nutrients.
Chlorella
It is a nutrient‐dense superfood that contains 60% protein, 18 amino acids and various vitamins and minerals.
One of its unique properties is a phytonutrient called CGF. Chlorella also contains high levels of chlorophyll.
70
It contains important enzymes, carotenoids and the important vitamin B12. One of its main qualities is as a chelator of heavy
metals.
Goji Berries
Goji berries, sometimes called Wolfberries, are perhaps the most nutritionally‐rich fruit on the planet. Goji berries contain 18 kinds
of amino acids (on par with bee pollen) and contain all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan).
Goji berries contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and
phosphorus).
Goji berries also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin E. Mature fruits contain about 11 mg of iron per 100 grams, beta‐
sisterol (an anti‐inflammatory agent), linoleic acid (a fatty acid), sesquiterpenoids (cyperone, solavetivone),
tetraterpenoids (zeaxanthin, physalin), and betaine (0.1%). Goji berries contain polysaccharides which fortify the immune
system. A polysaccharide found in this fruit has been found to be an anti‐aging secretagogue. Read More
Goji Berries ‐ are perhaps the most nutritionally‐rich fruit on the planet. They contain 18 kinds of amino acids and contain
all 8 essential amino acids. Goji berries contain up to 21 trace minerals. They also contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and vitamin
E. Mature fruits contain about 11 mg of iron per 100 grams, Goji berries fortify the immune system and are anti‐aging.
Hemp Protein
Hemp seeds are considered by leading researchers and medical doctors to be one of the most nutritious food sources on the
planet. Shelled hemp seed is packed with 33 percent pure digestible protein and is rich in iron and vitamin E as well as omega‐3 and
GLA.
71
The seed has many nutritional benefits:
- Protein ‐ It contains the full spectrum of amino acids in ratios best suited for human assimilation. Hemp protein is
comprised of 66 percent high‐quality edistin protein.
- Minerals – It contains essential minerals including Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Sulphur.
- High in dietary fiber.
- Hemp also contains three times the vitamin E contained in flax.
- Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs). EFAs are the "good fats" that doctors recommend as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Shelled
hemp seed is comprised of 45% "good fats" in an ideal balance of Omega‐3 Alpha‐Linolenic Acid, Omega‐6 Linoleic Acid,
"Super" Omega‐3 Stearidonic Acid, and "Super" Omega‐6 Gamma Linolenic Acid. Of the fat in Hempseed, we have found
56% is Linoleic and 19% is Linolenic (a ratio of 3:1 is considered the optimum balance). EFAs are required by the human body
in order to maintain hormonal balance, healthy skin, hair, general health and well being. The body is, however, incapable
of producing EFAs and it is therefore necessary to ensure that they are consumed by the body as a part of a balanced diet.
Essential Fatty Acids are accountable for the responsiveness of our immune system and they do not raise cholesterol
levels. In fact EFAs help to clear the bodies arteries. Because Hempseeds are so digestible, scientists are suggesting their
use in medicine to blocking diseases and in treating malnutrition. Research links essential fatty acid deficiency with cancer,
cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, impaired wound healing, breast pain, pre‐menstrual syndrome, hormonal
imbalance, multiple sclerosis, skin and hair disorders. The type of fat in one's diet is therefore critically important.
- Hemp powder /Seeds ‐ Hemp seeds are considered by leading researchers and medical doctors to be one of the most
nutritious food sources on the planet. Shelled hemp seed is packed with 33 percent pure digestible protein and is rich in
iron and vitamin E as well as omega‐3 and GLA.
Bee Pollen
It is approximately 25% complete protein, containing at least 18 amino acids and Vitamin B’s, both essential for healthy cells and a
happy mind.
It contains many other vitamins and over 5000 enzymes.
It contains many minerals, trace‐minerals, phytonutrients and essential fatty acids and it is all incredibly easy to absorb into the
body.
This is far more beneficial than any multivitamin supplement!
It is a brilliant anti‐oxidant. Your brain, muscles and immune system love this stuff!!!
It is important to only by local bee pollen, as it gets irradiated when flown anywhere. This just turns it into a pile of radioactive
pollen.
72
The superfood powders can be added to your juices. If you have two teaspoons of hemp powder, spiralina powder once or twice a
day, you will be amazed at how your energy levels will be sustained during the day.
You are now giving your body the highest grade fuel it could possibly ask for.
The Good Fats!
Fats
Our bodies need the fats of raw plant oils to make hormones, brain cells, cell membranes, joint lubrication and the
myelin sheath of our nerves. If we don't have raw plant oils all of these essential parts of our body become impaired.
Our nervous system becomes hyper‐sensitive to any form of stress, our steroid hormonal system becomes strained,
sending us into fight flight at the drop of a hat, our thyroid becomes impaired, our sleep is thrown out by lack of
melatonin and our seratonin levels drop creating a level of melancholy, depression or anxiety. Our memory and
mental calculations begin to strain and our emotional state becomes stressed. Plus we become more prone to
arthritis and various other physical ailments.
There are only two catagories of oils that we need to worry about, raw plant oils and other fats. The other fats would
include all heated and processed plant oils, including hydrogenated fats and any other trans‐fats plus all animal fats.
These will attach to the fat receptor sites in the body blocking the way for all the jobs that raw plant fats are meant to
do.
Our body's need raw plant oils, they are essential to life. We can only get them from the fruits like avocado's and
olives, the seeds like sunflower, pumkin, seseme, hemp and chia seeds, coconuts, tree nuts and in the form of raw,
organic cold pressed oils. Once they are heated about 50C the oils now break down into transfats (coconut oil can
handle 70C) and become toxic for our bodies. Therefore all baking, roasting and frying of raw plant oils or the whole
foods themselves turns a wonderful food source into a toxin.
The other problem with trans‐fats and animal fats is that they are the perfect host to store heavy metals and
chemicals, both of which interfere with our hormonal health. Plus these fats are also the perfect breeding ground for
estrogen, this is not fun for such a high population of the planet that are suffering from estrogen dominance!
The exception to the rule would be raw organic butter, colostrum milk and fish oil. These all have nutrient qualities
that certain bodies do need.
73
The best sources of Essential Fats are:
Food Sources Omega 3 Omega 6 Omega 9
Organic Hemp oil &seeds x x x
Coldpressed Flaxseed oil & crushed seeds x x x
Coldpressed Avocado oil & Avocado's x x
Coldpressed Sesame oil & seeds x x
Pumpkin seeds x x
Walnuts x
Brazil nuts x
Butternut x
Dark green leafy vegetables ‐ spinach, etc x
Kiwifruit x
Pistachio nuts x x
Pine nuts x
Coldpressed sunflower oil sunflower seeds x
Borage / starflower oil x
Evening primrose oil x
The job of essential fatty acids is:
- To create a healthy, sealed cell membrane on every cell of the body
- They make up a major part of the brain and nervous system
- They are essential in the production of all the hormones in the body
- To create prostaglandin, which regulates the heart rate, blood pressure, blood clotting, fertility and the
immune system
- Take your bad fats to the liver to be broken down and leave the body
Therefore your body has a big problem if you are not getting enough of the right oils into your diet. Since the good
fats help get rid of the toxic fats, then fats can help you to become slim!
74
What is so special about Coconut Oil?
According to Dr Ray Peat, an expert in coconut oil research, coconut oil added regularly to a balance diet, lowers
cholesterol to normal. It does this by converting cholesterol into pregnenolone…the “grandmother hormone” made
in our adrenals that is the precursor to DHEA and progesterone, estrogen and testosterone. Both pregnenolone and
progesterone are anti‐oxidants, anti‐toxin, anti‐clot, anti‐cancer, and anti‐seizure. They both also improve memory and
concentration. They are also very important for preventing osteoporosis in our bones. Here’s a special tip: If you
currently suffer from a congested liver and/or gall bladder and do not digest oils efficiently, rub it generously on your
skin and it will by‐pass your liver doing all the wonderful things coconut oil can do... like warming up your thyroid.
It has been clinically shown that this unique oil to has amazing and strong anti‐viral, anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal
properties.
The other amazing thing about this fact is that the body uses the fat in coconut oil to promote weight loss.
Coconut oils medium‐chain fatty acids do not circulate in the bloodstream like other fats, but are sent directly to the
liver where they are immediately converted into energy, just like carbohydrates. These weight‐loss effects of coconut
oil have clearly been demonstrated by many researchers. It also speeds up the body's metabolism and actually burns
high calories, which produces energy.
The medium‐chain fats in coconut oil are similar to fats in mother's milk and have similar effects.
If one can eat up to 3 to 4 tablespoons a day, this will provide enough lauric acid to really build the immune system.
Make sure you buy untreated, unprocessed, raw virgin coconut oil. Coconut oil melts at room temperature, but goes
solid in the fridge.
Some wonderful ways of eating coconut oil is:
- in any thai food style dish
75
- Chocolate pudding – you can mix the coconut oil with some organic raw cacao powder, raw honey or real
maple syrup, avocado’s and tahini or nuts and seeds together, pop it in the fridge and voila, you have the
healthiest, most decadent chocolate pudding
- Mango or lemon pudding ‐ you can also make a fruit one with coconut oil, avocados, mangoes or lemon, a bit
of raw honey or real maple syrup and sprinkle some coconut flakes on top, leave in the fridge for half an hour
and you have a delicious, light, treat!
Adaptogens
The Russian scientist, G.M. Barenboim said it well:
"For the first time in the history of human civilization the biological potentialities of the human body have failed to meet the
requirements imposed on it by the epoch. One witnesses an unusual 'epidemic' of fatigue aggravated by the powerful action of
man‐made, external chemical and physical environmental factors. Like the drugs that saved the world from numerous bacterial and
viral epidemics that cost millions of lives in the past, the adaptogens are needed to help man withstand the diverse stresses of
today."
What is an adaptogen?
These plants were appropriately named as they adapt to their environment and they help the body adapt to its
environment. Explaining the effects of the adaptogens is difficult, since they will influence each individual
differently.
If you are mentally exhausted or physically fatigued the adaptogens will help you feel more energetic and full of
life. At the same time adaptogens are not stimulants. If you are stressed‐out, emotionally exhausted, or just not
generally coping with life the adaptogens will help you relax and make life easier to cope with, yet they are not
tranquillizers and will not have a drug‐like effect on the body.
Adaptogens literally adapt their function to where it’s needed in the body, making themselves the right shape to
fit into the keyhole. By doing this they help our bodies adapt to the environment.
Their job is to heal the glands from any damage and help support them in their normal functioning. Adaptogens
are also a powerful antioxidant. They have no side effects and are not addictive. They possess a wide range of
therapeutic benefits, which cause no disturbance to the normal functioning of the body.
Since 1947 medical and scientific research has been conducted and published on adaptogens in various parts of the
world, but it is only recently that this information has become available to us in the West.
76
- Maca / Reishi Mushrooms / Shitake Mushrooms / Maitake Mushrooms / Cordiceps Mushrooms/ Astragulus /
Ashwaghanda / Rhodiola / Schizandra / Ginseng / Goto Kola/ Tulsi / Fo‐Ti
Cravings We all have our cravings, but………..you usually crave unhealthy food when you have a deficiency!!!
The other side of the coin of course is emotional trigger craving. If you deal with the physical, the emotional is much
easier to approach.
If you crave simple carbohydrates e.g. bread, pasta, sugar, etc – you are most likely lacking some of the amino acids –
which are your proteins / your long term energy source. This creates the urge for quick fixes. It is important to get
long term energy into your body and keep your blood sugar level stable. (We will cover this in detail further on).
Balancing Tools – carry nuts and seeds around with you; add dried fruit to sweeten if you need to. Eat nuts,
seeds, sprouts, olives or avocados.
For pasta cravings – buckwheat pasta is brilliant. It is not a grain it is a seed and it stabilizes your blood sugar
level.
For bread – gluten free bread is now becoming more and more available.
If you crave salty things – you most likely have a mineral or trace mineral deficiency. (We will cover this in detail
further on) Trace Mineral Concentrace is a brilliant supplement to boost your mineral levels back to normal.
Balancing Tools – Eat Himalayan rock salt or seaweed salt, instead of normal salt, olives, miso soup, sushi, any
form of seaweed.
If you crave fatty foods – you are most likely deficient in essential fatty acids / the unheated, untreated, raw plant oils.
Balancing Tools ‐ Eat: avocado / nuts / seeds / dark fish / sushi / extra virgin olive oil / coconut oil / borage oil /
cold pressed hempseed oil / cold pressed flaxseed oil / salmon oil, etc.
If you crave stimulants – you are most likely lacking protein and are experiencing adrenal overload. This means the
adrenal glands have been under long term stress from physical / mental or emotional stressors. It is important to keep
your blood sugar level stable otherwise the adrenal glands kick in and your hunger diminishes. You then start burning
your emergency energy.
Balancing Tools – Eat at least three good quality meals a day. Eat nuts, seeds, sprouts, olives, avocados & quinoa. The
superfoods will be a huge asset for stabilizing your blood sugar level and providing the essential fuel for your body: ‐
77
Spiralina / Hemp Protein / Raw Organic Cacao / Organic Goji Berries / Maca powder. Your adrenal and other glands also
need good levels of essential fatty acids and high levels of minerals to function well.
Breathwork One may think that the idea of focusing on breathing is silly. We breathe automatically, why would we need to focus
on it?
Well the truth is that every time we are focusing on something or even worse, getting stressed, our breath becomes
very shallow.
The average person only uses 17% of their lungs.
Oxygen is the key to every process in our entire body. Without it we die. When we are breathing in this shallow rate
we are on the bare minimum. Imagine how much more energy we would have if we learned to use all of our lungs.
When we do not breathe fully, we automatically send our body into the sympathetic state, as it is waiting in suspense
for the lion to attack. The digestive system, immune system and reproductive system are put on hold and we go into
adrenal dominance.
Can you see how our breath can affect our hormonal health?
So the answer is simple. BREATHE!!!
Firstly realize how big your lungs are. They stretch from your shoulders all the way down to the bottom of your
ribcage. That is the front and back of your torso. There is just a little space left in there for your heart muscle. So your
entire ribcage is filled with two lungs.
Now, when you breathe your lungs expand upwards, forwards, backwards and even stretch down into your
abdominal cavity. That is a lot of air that you are capable of breathing in.
Look how huge swimmers torso’s are. This is because you can actually grow your lungs.
Over the time that I did my yoga teacher training and my breathwork course, my ribcage became a whole inch wider.
78
Long Deep Breathing ‐ This is the queen of all breathing techniques.
Firstly sit comfortably in a very upright position, either sitting cross legged on the floor or against a wall, or on a very
supportive chair. It is important that you are not slumping into your tummy or straining to be upright.
- Breathe all of your air out, without tensing any muscles.
- Breathe in slowly and consciously into your abdomen. Let it fill up as if you were a glass being filled with
water. As your air capacity.
Four Part Breathing – To achieve balance and calm the nervous system.
This is perfect when in your car or taking a break at work.
- Section your in breath into four parts – sniff each breath in through your nose, taking the biggest sniff in at
the end. Hold for a second
- Breath out with sniffs through your nose the same way, making sure all the air is out at the end. Hold for a
second then sniff in.
Sitali – The cooling breath
This is best thing for moments of overheating.
- One rolls the tongue up into a sausage shape, then proceeds to breath through the tunnel in the tongue.
It cools the system down beautifully!
Overall Conclusion
Even though the world is more toxic than it has ever been, the flip side of the coin is that we have more access to
empowering information and health tools than ever before.
This is the information age. So lets not take anything for face value. If we do our research well we all have the
opportunity to heal ourselves. We can even save money by avoiding chemical filled commercial products and even
growing our own food.
Nobody can heal you except for you. If we all use our intuition we will find every person, product, modality and food
that is perfect for our health needs.
Good luck on your journey to health, happiness and freedom.
79
Notes
80
Notes
81
Notes
82
Notes
83
Notes
84
References
Authors:
Dr Katharina Dalton – Author of:
‐ Depression after Childbirth: How to Recognise, Treat, and Prevent Postnatal Depression
‐ The PMS Bible
Dr John Lee – Author of:
• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause
• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Premenopause
• What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer
• Natural Progesterone: The Multiple Role of a Remarkable Hormone, BLL Publishing, California, USA, 1993,
Donna Gates – Body Ecology
Dr Christiane Northrup – Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom
Dr Sherill Sellman ‐ What women must know to protect their daughters from Breast Cancer
Dr. Andrew Weil
- Women's Health: Ask Dr. Weil
- Natural Health, Natural Medicine: A Comprehensive Manual for Wellness and Self‐Care
Websites:
http://www.drnorthrup.com‐ Dr Christiane Northrup
www.raypeat.com ‐Dr Ray Peat – Hormone understanding, balancing and bioidentical hormones
Natural‐Progesterone‐Advisory‐Network.com ‐ Progesterone balancing – Menopause / PMT etc
http://pcos.insulitelabs.com/ ‐ PCOS & Insulin Resistance
http://www.wddty.com/ ‐ What Doctors Don’t Tell You
http://www.doctorjackson.org/health/poisoning.htm
85
http://www.rebirthingbreathwork.com
www.womentowomen.com
www.womeninbalance.org/info
http://www.lunette.co.za
www.whatwomenmustknow.com
http://www.foodfacts.org.za/
http://www.drmyhill.co.uk/
Articles:
The Dance of the Hormones
by Terri L. Saunders
Essential Fatty Acids in
Vegetarian Nutrition by Brenda Davis, RD
The Great Protein Myth
By Steve Pavlina
Coconut Oil: You Want a Food Loaded with Real Health Benefits? You Want Coconut Oil
By Raymond Peat, Ph.D.
Coconut Oil: Why it is Good For You
by Lita Lee
TRANS FATTY ACIDS By Mary‐Ann Shearer
HAPPY HORMONES By Mary‐Ann Shearer
How Nutrition Affects Emotions And Behavior
by Dr_Wilson
A Cloud of Confusion Lingers Over Hormone Therapy Use
86
Sherry Marts, Ph.D.
Women's Hormones 101
By I. Michael Borkin N.M.D.
Seeing Deception is your Protection – by Dr. Sherill Sellman
New Insights and New Therapies for Insulin Resistance by:Johan H Koeslag and Peter T Saunders
What Is Hyperglycemia? By Bobbie Hasselbring, reviewed by Beth Seltzer, MD [ 11/07 ]
Endometriosis and Women's Health ‐ by Carolyn Dean, M.D., N.D.
Managing Polycystic Ovary Syndrome the Natural Way By: Jacqueline Wildish ‐ Nutritional Therapist B.A. (Wits), Dip. BCNH (U.K.), MBANT
Natural Approaches to relieving Endometriosis – by Chris D. Meletis ND and Neiske Zabriskie ND
