Welcome to the October 2009 issue of the LaVida Health Newsletter.

LaVida Health Services

- Naturopathy
- Massage Therapy
- Life Coaching
- Energy Healing
- Myotherapy

In this Issue

	Welcome to new subscribers...
	Why are you so tired?
	Myotherapy now available on Saturdays
	Disclaimer
	We love feedback.....

Website Articles

Click here to visit the News and Views articles section of the LaVida Health website, where you will find comments on items appearing in the media, information about specific health issues, and other titbits.

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Welcome to new subscribers...

Firstly, welcome to those of you who are receiving our newsletter for the first time. I hope you find the information contained within interesting.

This newsletter is published every two months and contains information on different topics related to health and wellbeing.

This month we look at the various causes of fatigue.  If you feel like you are struggling to get through the day or don't seem to have enough energy to make the most of what life offers then, let us shed some light on what could be underlying this common problem.

Also, myotherapy now available on Saturdays.

Yours in good health,

Kaye Wright
Naturopath
LaVida Health

Why are you so tired?

For some people, the answer to that question might be obvious...too many late nights... but when they get the chance to have a good night's sleep they are recharged and ready to go again. 

However, for others fatigue is a constant part of their everyday existence.  Even when they get an early night they might not be able to get to sleep, they may wake repeatedly during the night or even if they sleep well they may still feel exhausted the next day.  Why???

If you are one of the 20% of the general population who don't have the energy they desire then why not do something about it...life is short and precious. Don't let fatigue hold you back.

Not surprisingly, there are many reasons why your body may not be generating the energy you need.

If you are wondering why you seem to be exhausted most of the time, consider the following:

* insufficient levels of vital nutrients
* an excessively acidic diet putting stress on the body's natural buffering mechanisms to maintain pH
* poor digestive capacity leading to nutrients not being absorbed
* a state of inflammation in your body which could be caused by chronic disease or food intolerances and a "leaky gut"
* systemic infection especially chronic viral infections or bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine
* excessive, poorly controlled stress leading to adrenal exhaustion, insomnia and/or imbalances in our nervous system
* toxicity resulting from pesticides, medications, heavy metals, poor gut function and inadequate liver function
* problems with your metabolism including compromised thyroid function, excess weight, poor blood sugar regulation and hormonal dysfunction.

Look at the list and consider how many of these might apply to you.  Most of us might be able to cope with one of these factors for a short amount of time but combine excess stress with a diet that doesn't have sufficient nutrients for your needs, less than optimal digestion and detoxification and perhaps an underlying illness and no wonder you're tired.

The majority of our energy is generated in the part of our cells called the mitochondria.  How many mitochondria we have will influence our energy levels.  These little "batteries" proliferate according to the demands placed on them.  For example, moderate exercise stimulates them to increase in numbers.  So to, does avoiding excess calories.  Particularly, eating too many calorie-dense, nutrient-poor foods can cause our mitochondria to become sluggish and slows the rate of proliferation.

There are a multitude of nutrients required for efficient mitochondrial function but some of the key ones include carnitine, B vitamins, iron and magnesium.  Eating a diet rich in these nutrients is therefore critically important to energy production.  For example, good sources of magnesium include nuts and seeds, legumes, wholegrains, green vegetables and seafood.  Carnitine is made by our bodies from the amino acids lysine and methionine so a diet with sufficient lean animal protein is important and will also provide you with readily absorbed iron. 

Working out what is going on for you is a complex process and you would be wise to seek the advice of your naturopath to help unravel the issues and develop a tailored plan to get you back to your desired energy levels.  Sometimes the answers can be gleened from discussion but occassionally we will recommend pathology tests to identify food intolerances, hormonal imbalances, leaky gut or problems with liver function (see www.lavidahealth.com.au and look at the February 09 newsletter under "News and Views" for more information on how your liver works).

Much can be achieved with changes to diet and lifestyle but often supplementation with additional amounts of key nutrients is necessary.   Herbal tonics in tablet or liquid form are also an extremely effective part of our arsenal in helping the body to get back to it's desired state of balance.

You don't have to put up with fatigue.  Seek the help of an expert now.

Myotherapy now available on Saturdays

Due to popular demand, our degree-qualified myotherapist is now available on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month as well as her usual Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Myotherapy can be useful for a wide range of injuries and conditions including;
* Overuse or repetitive strain injuries
* Strains or sprains
* Stress (occupational, emotional, environmental)
* Poor posture
* Headaches
* Sports or occupational injuries
* Chronic musculoskeletal or neuromuscular disorders
* Acute or traumatic injuries
* Pre and post natal conditions
* Some joint stiffness or pain

For more information on myotherapy, please visit our website www.lavidahealth.com.au and follow the link to Services. 

If you would like to make an appointment, please call LaVida Health on 9620 9503 or email us at info@lavidahealth.com.au

Disclaimer

Naturally, the advice in this newsletter is of a general nature for educational purposes and should not be taken as a substitute for personalised advice from your health care professional. It is provided in good faith without any express or implied warranty. If you have, or suspect you have, a medical condition you should seek expert advice prior to taking any supplements or treatments.

Self-diagnosis and treatment may be ineffective, costly and possibly even harmful in some circumstances.

We love feedback.....

If you have any questions relating to any of the above or suggestions for topics you would like covered in subsequent newsletters, please feel free to email us at

or call LaVida Health on 9620 9503.