The Body Corporate Wellness News
August / September 2002
There are always two sides to every story and when it comes to research studies on various health topics it pays to weigh things up very carefully before running with the first study you read or hear about. This month we are devoting our newsletter to one key health issue that is receiving a lot of publicity, the Hormone Replacement Therapy debate.
HRT

A Natural Phase of Life
Menopause is a natural process that should not be treated as a disease necessitating the need for drugs. Unfortunately though, in today's modern society, we have placed great value on the allure of everlasting youth, which has resulted in a general belief that menopause is something to be dreaded. In many cultures, menopause is seen as a positive event, bringing greater respect, divine blessing and great wisdom.
Research across many cultures clearly shows that if the cultural view of menopause is largely negative, symptoms are common. On the other hand, if menopause is viewed in a positive light, symptoms are far less frequent.
Many women today seek natural support for menopause not only because of the risks associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but also because they recognise menopause as being a normal part of their life cycle.

Why do so many women experience menopausal symptoms?
When assisting women through menopause with natural medicines, we aim to correct whole body imbalances, rather than merely working on treating symptoms. There maybe a variety of reasons why women experience symptoms around menopause, and for effective and long term results, it is necessary to locate and address these factors. Some of the more common influences include adrenal fatigue, low or high body fat, compromised liver function, and poor diet. Other contributing factors are antibiotic use, excessive exercise, emotional stress and smoking.

Adrenal fatigue:
When our adrenals (our stress and enjoyment glands) are fatigued, it leaves us tired, lethargic, less able to cope with stress, and often results in loss of enjoyment in life's pleasures - including sex. Many food choices and lifestyle practices place great stress on the adrenal glands. These include stimulants such as coffee, tea, caffeine containing drinks, cigarettes, alcohol, prescription and recreational drugs, excessive sugars, as well as lack of sleep, emotional stress, steroids, excessive exercise, continual work stress including missing meals and poor management of stress.

Dietary insufficiency:

  • What we eat influences the way we feel and has a strong effect on the general functioning of our bodies.
  • A poor diet may lead to an increase in menopausal symptoms. Women who become aware of this relationship prior to menopause and who make changes to their diet to prepare for the transition, find the time of menopause more comfortable.
  • In general, a diet rich in wholesome foods improves the body's ability to better handle these changes, with certain foods being of considerable benefit throughout this period.
  • Foods high in good quality protein and B vitamins may help slow the onset of menopause by supporting the pituitary gland, which regulates the ovaries and the female cycle. Good sources of protein include; fish, soy products, light dairy products such as acidophilus yoghurt and cottage cheese, eggs, whole grains such as quinoa & amaranth, legumes, raw nuts and seeds.
  • Foods high in B vitamins include dark leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and wheat germ and yeast (non-active rather than brewers or bakers yeast)..
  • To help maintain optimal adrenal function, foods containing high levels of vitamins and minerals may be beneficial. These foods include molasses, lecithin and kelp.

Phytoestrogen foods are also beneficial in slowing menopause as they bind to oestrogen receptor sites, increasing circulating estrogen. These foods include:

  • Soy products such as tofu, soy milk, and soy beans (GE free)
  • Flaxseeds
  • Nuts
  • Whole grains
  • Apples
  • Fennel
  • Celery
  • Parsley
  • Alfalfa
Factors increasing menopausal symptoms by reducing the availability of oestrogen:
  • Antibiotics substantially reduce the number of intestinal bacteria required to convert oestrogen to a more active form for re-circulation.
  • Excessive exercise reduces the levels of circulating oestrogen. (Moderate exercise however, has been shown to significantly reduce flushing).
  • Emotional stress contributes to many illnesses and health problems, and menopause is no exception. Stress places an extra load on many body processes, influencing immune function, hormonal regulation, biochemical interactions, digestion, cardiovascular performance and nervous response.
  • When compared with non-smokers, women who smoke are relatively estrogen deficient, and usually have an earlier menopause.
Symptoms commonly associated with Menopause include:
Hot flushes, vaginal dryness, bladder infections, emotional change, fatigue, poor memory & bone loss.

Natural Support:
There are many herbs, foods and food supplements that can support women through this phase of their lives and reduce or eliminate associated symptoms. A full consultation is advisable to obtain a personalised plan for your needs. Call Karen Moffatt N.D., Dip.Med.Herb, Iridologist on (09) 361 3964 or email karen.moffatt@bodycorp.co.nz for an appointment. We can also provide some products that research has shown (as well as client results) to help with symptoms such as hot flushes, stress and emotional changes.

Phyto Medicine "CIMICIFUGA" Compound - 50 tablets $29.48 plus delivery
Contains Black Cohosh, Hypericum, Wild Yam and Lavender
(Not to be taken with some medications - please consult a health professional)

Remember our Mini Seminars run on-site at your place of work can cover this topic to ensure your staff members are well informed and make educated health decisions. If you would like to talk to us about running some mini seminars on-site and / or would like a list of our 25 Topics please email us at miniseminars@bodycorp.co.nz

THE BODY CORPORATE ADVOCATE PROGRAMME
We have an Advocate Programme running that rewards our clients for sending us referrals to other companies or individuals that would benefit from our services. If you refer someone to us, who books one of our services, you will receive a gift voucher of your choice (value $120.00) from the following…

  • $120 off your next Mini Seminar
  • A Wellness Coaching session and lifestyle report with Karen Beard
  • An Iridology Report & Coaching session with Karen Moffatt

Who do you know who is running a conference this year?
This is a great referral for us as most conferences need to break their technical programme with an outside speaker and what better topic is there than "Achieving A Balance Between Working Style and Lifestyle".

Email or call us…
Karen Beard Karen@bodycorp.co.nz
Karen Moffatt Karen.Moffatt@bodycorp.co.nz

FEEDBACK
Most of our business comes from word of mouth so it is important to us that you are happy with the service you receive from us. If you have any feedback you can email us at feedback@bodycorp.co.nz or call us 09 361 3964


THE BODY CORPORATE LTD HAS RELOCATED
We have moved to larger premises and are now located at 84 College Hill in Ponsonby. As you drive up College Hill you will find us on the left hand side, 3 Villa's from the top. You will see the signs hanging from the verandah (a very special thanks to Tony from Speedy Signs Downtown office for being so speedy getting them up!!). All our phone numbers and contacts remain the same.

Kind Regards
Karen Beard and Karen Moffatt
How to contact us
Telephone: 09-361 3964
Mobile: Karen Beard 021-471 386
Karen Moffatt 021-843 860
Facsimile: 09-361 3965
Email: info@bodycorp.co.nz
Address: PO Box 8225, Symonds Street, Auckland
84 College Hill, Ponsonby
   
If you no longer wish to receive The Body Corporate Wellness Update,
 please CLICK HERE and we will ensure you are removed from the list.
THE BODY CORPORATE - achieving the balance