April update: update me about your meds!
Are you taking conventional medicines with your supplements?
It’s a well-established fact that the majority of Australians don’t tell their doctors about all the complementary medicines they take. Evidence suggests this is largely due to fear of being judged or ridiculed, though often it’s simply because they’re not asked.
But I was shocked to read a recent study that found most clients don’t tell their naturopaths about their pharmaceutical medication either. 58.5% of naturopathic and 66.3% of herbalist patients don’t fully disclose their use of conventional medicine.
It is vital to keep all clinicians updated about the medicines you start or stop taking to avoid potential drug/supplement interactions. Being across all over-the-counter or prescribed drugs also informs the way practitioners diagnose and treat your conditions.
I always ask about the medicines and supplements you take in the initial consultation, but please remember to update me about any changes to your meds between sessions. As your naturopath, I respect your choices and am not judgemental.
If you’re a current client and have had any changes to your prescribed or over the counter medicines (or new supplements you’re taking), please drop me an email so I can update your file.
Image Madison Agardi via Unsplash
Fishy business – is fish good for you?
According to a new study, eating fish mightn’t be as beneficial for heart health as previously found. But changes in nutritional profiles of seafood mightn’t be the fish’s fault. Don’t miss this update if you eat salmon, barramundi or trout. There’s also some handy recipes if you’d like to cook other types of fish.
Speaking of fish, bonito flakes star in the latest recipe on my website. Furikake, aka Japanese sprinkles, is one of my go to pantry items to jazz up rice or eggs. It only takes a couple of minutes to make your own furikake, from inexpensive items found at most Asian grocery stores. The recipe also includes a vegan version.
Are you ready for winter?
We have turned back the clocks and there’s a chill in the air. A benefit of social distancing and increased hand washing was the incredibly low incidence of colds and seasonal flu last year. If you’ve slacked off with these preventative measures and want to reduce your chances of catching a lurgy, get back onto it!
I have some handy tips to boost your immunity in autumn, but if you need further help now’s the time to book a consultation before the bugs are rife.
On a personal note
Last Easter I was home alone, Zooming my Melbourne friends and hosting a couch quiz with neighbours.
One year on, we hit the road and went camping. The two experiences couldn’t be further apart. No longer taking freedom for granted is making the little things in life, like spending time in nature, all the sweeter.
Friends in the UK and parts of the US are cautiously opening up after extended lockdowns. As frustrating as the restrictions may have been, loosening them can also feel a little scary for some. We discussed this in one of the daily live’s last year as parts of Australia got ready to open up once more. I’ve got some tips and observations about contemplating life after lockdown on my Youtube channel if you’d like to watch it.
Kia kaha/stay strong.
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