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From HaleJournal.com Nutrition
PERIOD PAINS can be particularly miserable during cold weather and
are not infrequently accompanied by a sore throat and a break out of
spots or pimples, if the body is in need of detoxification. Chinese medicine relates the female cycle to liver energy. The liver
is the organ of detoxification, so it is essential to support the liver
when addressing problems of menstruation, fertility or of uterine
nature. Be sure to take adequate exercise and drink at least two litres of water daily to help detoxification and to support the liver. Acid forming foods tend to cause a build up of toxins so reduce or
avoid caffeine, alcohol, red meat, animal fats, processed foods, sugar,
milk, salt, gluten and dairy produce (natural, bioactive yogurt
excepted.) Foods which are most beneficial include pulses, short grain brown
rice, millet, quinoa, all vegetables, fruit, nuts and seeds. Globe
artichoke and lemons are of particular value. (Lemons, though acid,
break down to become strongly alkaline to help balance any over
acidity. Artichokes are known for their exceptional value in supporting
the liver.) FIBROIDS tend to be more common in women with weight problems or hypothyroidism which contributes to oestrogen excess. Optimum liver function is vital as the liver breaks down hormones
and secretes their products into the bowel for elimination. If the
liver does not metabolize oestrogen properly it is recycled into the
body. Friendly bacteria are also vital for oestrogen metabolism in the bowel as they prevent recycling of waste oestrogen. A high fibre, low fat diet decreases the action of bad gut flora. A diet rich in vegetables and fruit is recommended. For mild to moderate fibroids, non invasive treatment is recommended. THRUSH may be caused by the over use of antibiotics, steroids, oral
contraceptives, H.R.T., poor digestion and elimination, leaky gut
syndrome, high sugar diet, allergies, stress or depressed immune
system. Vaginal thrush is not helped by wearing close fitting clothing
in a warm, air conditioned environment. Follow a diet rich in foods which support detoxification. In
addition, avoid foods high in sugar (most fruits and fruit juices) and
foods which encourage the existence of yeast or mould (mature cheese,
mushrooms, nuts, bread) while symptoms persist. MENOPAUSAL PROBLEMS may cause hot flushes, made worse by an over
heated environment. Mood swings, sometimes present at the menopause,
may seem worse during the dreary days of winter. Follow a diet which supports liver cleansing, including plenty of whole grains, pulses, fresh vegetables and fruit. These foods all contain phytosterols with a hormone balancing
effect. Vitamin E regulates oestrogen production, so be sure to include
plenty of nut and seed oils. Avoid red meat, sparkling drinks (which
deplete calcium) also caffeine and alcohol (which aggravate hot
flushes.) Homoeopathic remedies may help women’s complaints: Belladonna Hot flushes; right sided head aches; periods too early and too profuse; heavy breasts Borax Acute thrush Calcarea Carbonica Periods too early, too profuse and too long; period pains; night sweats Chamomilla Waves of labour like menstrual pain; sensitive to pain; angry mood Lachesis Period pains on first day; palpitations; hot flushes; fainting spells Natrum Muriaticum Fibroids; hot flushes; backache; migraines; tender breasts; infertility Magnesia Phosphorica Cramping period pains Pulsatilla Period pains; amenorrhoea; periods changeable, irregular, clotted; mood swings Phosphorus Periods last too long; heavy bleeding; mood swings; anxieties Sepia Hot flushes; period pains; never been well since hormone therapy; infertility; irritable Sulphur Hot flushes; night sweats; thirst Thuja Acute thrush; uterine polyps; ovarian cysts Penny Rushton DNN RSHom practices at the Hale Clinic |
