An updated meta-analysis published  in Mayo Clinic Proceedings supports a cardioprotective role for supplementation with the omega 3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

The current analysis expands on a recent meta-analysis of randomized trials published prior to August 2019 that examined omega 3 supplementation’s associations with cardiovascular outcomes. The newest meta-analysis included 40 randomized, controlled trials with a total of 135,267 participants. Dosages of omega 3 used in the studies ranged from 400 milligrams to 5,500 milligrams per day.

Pooled analysis of the trials’ data revealed a 13% lower risk of heart attack, a 10% lower risk of coronary heart disease events, a 35% lower risk of fatal heart attack and a 9% lower risk of coronary heart disease mortality among participants who received EPA and DHA in comparison with the control subjects.

When the impact of omega 3 dosage was examined, higher doses were more protective against the risk of cardiovascular disease events and heart attack than lower amounts.

“The study supports the notion that EPA and DHA intake contributes to cardioprotection, and that whatever patients are getting through the diet, they likely need more,” stated coauthor Carl J. Lavie, MD. “People should consider the benefits of omega-3 supplements, at doses of 1000 to 2000 mg per day – far higher than what is typical, even among people who regularly eat fish. Given the safety and diminished potential for interaction with other medications, the positive results of this study strongly suggest omega-3 supplements are a relatively low-cost, high impact way to improve heart health with few associated risks and should be considered as part of a standard preventive treatment for most patients with cardiovascular diseases and those recovering from myocardial infarction.”

 

Struggling with a nasty virus is a battle that no one wants to fight. Luckily, most infections will run their course, and after a week or two, you will start to feel better. However, some infections that don’t always play by this rule, one such example is glandular fever (aka infectious mononucleosis), which is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

You or someone you know has likely dealt with a bout of glandular fever; it’s commonly seen in young adults, lasts at least four to six weeks, and causes symptoms such as fatigue, swollen glands, fever, extreme tiredness and aching muscles.

In some cases, symptoms can linger for weeks or even months after the infection has passed; leading to a condition known as ‘post-viral fatigue’. Glandular fever can take a bigger toll on your body than other viruses because it overwhelms your immune system by making itself tricky to eradicate, making recovery so much slower. To combat this, natural medicine can help to shorten your recovery time and lead you back to full health.

You or someone you know has likely dealt with a bout of glandular fever; it’s commonly seen in young adults, lasts at least four to six weeks, and causes symptoms such as fatigue, swollen glands, fever, extreme tiredness and aching muscles.

1. Boost your immunity with AHCC™

The thing that makes EBV so difficult to beat is that it envelops itself inside a shell made of proteins (known as a capsid), which makes it hard for your immune cells to access the virus and attack it. Whilst your immune system is breaking down the capsid, the virus works quickly to replicate itself so that it can infect more of your cells. This puts a lot of pressure on your immune system to control the spread of the virus.

Active hexose correlated compound (AHCC™), a compound sourced from shiitake mushrooms, has been shown to improve your ability to eliminate EBV by increasing your immune system’s antiviral activity. In fact, AHCC™ helps outsmart EBV by increasing your immune system’s production of powerful anti-viral proteins, which improves your ability to eliminate viral infections. These proteins can block the mechanisms that the virus uses to infect your cells, weakening the tactics it uses to overpower you.

2. Take Time to Convalesce

Although your doctor advised you to take it easy, it can be hard to stay still when the rest of the world isn’t slowing down. However, nothing is more important than allowing yourself time to convalesce, which means fully recovering before you ease back in to your regular routine. Without it, your immune system can suffer, and this leads to a longer recovery time.

Taking the time to rest can mean many things, including:

• Taking time off work or school wherever possible;
• Building relaxation into your schedule;
• Setting boundaries and avoiding over-extending yourself; and
• Achieving between seven and eight hours of sleep per night, getting to bed by 10 pm at the latest.

Try making these pointers daily goals, so that you can properly convalesce and move forward in your healing journey.

Nothing is more important than allowing yourself time to convalesce, which means fully recovering before you ease back in to your regular routine.

 3. Nourish Yourself

Nutrition, fresh air, water, and exercise are the fuel that keeps every cell in your body thriving and healing. As such, when recovering from infection, it is important to nourish yourself by:

• Maintaining a diet abundant in fruits, vegetables and protein-rich foods to provide the nutritional resources for your body to heal;
• Consuming hearty meals such as slow-cooked dishes that are nutritious and easy to digest;
• Maintaining light exercise levels, such as walking and stretching;
• Keeping warm, as this will save your energy for healing, rather than maintaining your body temperature;
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption; and
• Boosting your immune-enhancing nutrients that help you to fend off other nasty infections, including zinc and vitamin C.

To learn more about the nourishing habits to help you find your fire again, speak to a natural health Practitioner.

4. Mind your Mental Health

Putting your life on hold to recover can feel incredibly disheartening sometimes, which is why it’s important to manage your mental wellbeing on your healing journey.

Low moods can cause you to think negatively about your recovery (e.g. that you will be ill indefinitely), and research has shown that this can predict a longer recovery time (i.e. fatigue lasting more than six months). As such, breaking the cycle of low moods can help to limit your symptoms from lingering.

Being aware of your thoughts is the first step to acknowledging their influence on your health, and accepting your feelings is part of the recovery process. On top of this, there are a number of other ways to support your mental wellbeing, including:

• Proactively managing your stress levels (ensuring they remain as low as possible) by identifying and doing what you can to resolve stressful situations (e.g. delegating tasks to other household members); and
• Engaging in gentle exercise to boost brain chemicals that enhance mood and even improve self-esteem.

If the stress of being unwell feels like it’s getting too much, consider making an appointment with a counsellor or psychologist to talk through your emotions and fears related to your health. On top of this, working with a Naturopath who can also prescribe herbal or nutritional formulas to enhance your mood can also assist and promote your recovery; supporting you to feel mentally stronger and more resilient.

Being Proactive in the Face of Glandular Fever  

Start by taking proactive steps with the aid of a Naturopath who can tailor a treatment plan, which may include AHCC™ and other immune-supporting supplements, to meet your needs. Your Practitioner can also encourage your convalescence, reinforce nourishing habits and support your mental health. In time, your inner spark and energy levels will return, allowing you to step into a healthier future free from EBV.   

The Wellbeing Institute is Closing, .. but it’s business as usual for Luke.

Sadly, the Wellbeing Institute is closing its doors at the end of September 2020, however it is business as usual for Luke Clarke Functional Medicine.

At this stage, I do not have a physical clinic to relocate to due to the current pandemic restrictions, however I will be offering my full health services via Zoom, Skype or Phone as I have done since the start of the pandemic..

These online platforms allow me to offer comprehensive health assessments and ongoing treatment support including any pathology testing that may be required.

New phone number for inquires, appointments and product orders is (03) 8820 0010

For all inquires, questions, product orders, appointments or even a chat, please ring this new number.. We will do our best to take your call in a timely manner.

Alternatively, please feel free to contact me via email on info@lukeclarke.com.au

New online booking system from my website www.lukeclarke.com.au

Appointments can also be made directly via my website www.lukeclarke.com.au. It’s easy to follow and integrates with my appointment calendar.. please call if you have any questions.

Flat postal rate of $10 for all product orders via Australia Express Post

All product requirements and orders will be posted at a flat rate of $10 via Australia Post..

Thank you for your ongoing support during this time of change

If I can be of support with your health or if you have any questions, please reach out.

Kind regards

Luke Clarke: Naturopath: Functional Medicine Practitioner

www.lukeclarke.com.au info@lukeclarke.com.au (03) 8820 0010

Under new stage 4 restrictions in metropolitan Melbourne, allied health services remain available via virtual consultations , but face- to- face care is limited.

So while face to face consultations are limited to critical care, I still offer my full health services via Zoom, Skype or Phone as I have done since the start of the pandemic..

These online platforms still allow me to offer comprehensive health assessments and ongoing treatment support including any pathology testing that may be required.

Flat Postal Rate of $10 for all Product Orders via Australia Express Post

Given the travel restrictions to 5km radius, all product requirements and orders can be posted at a flat rate of $10 via Australia Post..Please contact the clinic to place your order.

Please stay safe and healthy.

Kind regards

Luke Clarke: Wellbeing Institute

Naturopath: Functional Medicine Practitioner