While we think of ageing as a negative thing, as far as our bodies go, many people have found increasing wellbeing in their last decades of life. It’s not that the body isn’t eventually going to die- of course, it will- but it is possible to adopt healthier habits and radically turn around health issues or promote better health. Whether by losing excess weight, a change of diet such as going plant-based, or taking up strength training….it is different for different people. …..

One of the things I find challenging as a naturopath in the vast world of health promoters nowadays, is the absolute certainty with which people push their beliefs.

Just because something is working for them, or helped a particular health condition, they want to convert everyone. Some people are absolutely certain that keto is the way- for just about everyone. That intermittent fasting is amazing, for everyone. Everyone would be slim like them if they adopted their way of living and eating. Vegans can be very dogmatic about their way of eating.

Without extensive training and experience in deciphering good information from bad, I can truly empathise, its very easy to get caught up in a particular approach that may or may not benefit us. ….

Forest bathing is a term coined by the Japanese in the 1980s. The intention was to help people recover from corporate burnout and inspire them to reconnect with Japan’s beautiful forests. It is called shinrin-yoku, or ‘taking in the forest atmosphere”, or forest bathing. So, the phenomenon began to be studied in the 1990s, providing scientific backup for what we already know- that spending time in nature is good for us. 

Forest bathing has been shown to significantly reduce blood pressure and stress levels. And while that might not sound like much, it can also help cardiovascular and mental health…..

For those of us over 40 years old, several measurable markers can indicate health issues either now or on the horizon if we don’t do something about them. They can be part of our regular self-care and can help prevent major disease and much suffering and financial cost. While I am a Naturopath focusing on nutrition, herbal medicines and lifestyle, we are a complementary health modality and work well with many other types of health practitioners. Here in Australia, we have access to good GPs and many free pathology tests, which can be very useful. 

Autumn is here and we may feel a sense of relief as it brings cooler nights and, at least here in Perth, welcome rain. 

It is also a time of transition as we change seasons. It can be of benefit to welcome these transition times with some appropriate behavioural changes. We are heading toward winter, and it is time to start preparing for the cold, flu and covid season by supporting the immune system. It is also time to change our diet as autumn foods come into our stores and gardens. 

Sometimes we overlook the most fundamental basics of healing and health, in favour of more complex and expensive solutions. Water has been honoured since ancient times as essential to life, and as carrying a powerful life force, whether directly falling from the sky, or gathered in bodies of water like streams, lakes, rivers and the ocean. By paying attention to the role and place of water, we can bring more balance and awareness into our lives. 

For thousands of year before the era of pharmaceutical medicines, bathing in certain natural mineral waters was considered an effective remedy for many diseases and health issues, especially musculoskeletal conditions, as well as for general health and even longevity.

Across the world, there are many famous hot springs and baths, such as: 

When researching longevity, many studies look at what factors help us to live longer. However, many people live longer but have chronic health issues that can make life miserable. So I was interested to see this study which looked at how a healthy lifestyle adds on years of living without chronic disease, compared to a life with it….

I have a small kitchen, and not a lot of bench space. However, it is enough because it’s mostly just Dave, my husband, and I. However, I do love to cook, and do most of the meal prep for the two of us. I love my appliances, and any that aren’t used regularly- several times a week- do not get to take up bench space. So what I do have, I use frequently.

First, I do have a Thermomix. I bought it about 13 years ago. It’s still going strong. I use it for making soups, stews, smoothies, for sauces and dressings, fruit compote, frozen fruit ice cream and even things like coleslaw. It makes bread dough, cookie dough, cake batter. I usually cook rice or quinoa in it too….it does a lot! Mine cost a fortune back when I got it, but you can pick up a 2nd hand one for $500 or less nowadays. They are built to last, unlike many modern appliances, and there is a repair shop in Perth.

Then, I have an Instant Pot. Which is a glorified stainless steel pressure cooker with a timer on it. I love it. It is fantastic for cooking beans and other legumes, really quickly. It also cooks meat to tender in a short time, so you can use cheaper cuts. And, I often steam potatoes or sweet potatoes in it, in a few minutes. You can do all this in a normal pressure cooker, but I am one of those people who tend to walk away and do something else, and forget what’s on the stove. A timer works well for me.

Our brains are precious and sensitive, and still largely a mystery.

Rates of brain health issues are rising. It is estimated that at least a third of Alzheimer’s Disease and other dementia cases can be prevented or delayed with a healthy lifestyle encompassing 5 factors. In fact those who adhere to all 5 of these factors have a 60% lower chance of developing dementia. These are:

Older people are particularly vulnerable to viruses during winter.

What are some ways to help support the immune system of the elderly, to keep them resilient during the cold and flu season

First, diet, and most importantly, I recommend ensuring adequate protein. Past 65yo, the digestion of protein becomes less efficient…..

For some people, finances feel like a restriction to their ability to heal. And certainly, it can be challenging.

Here are a few ideas for healing on a low budget.

We all tend to fall somewhere on the spectrum of preferring regularity and routine and going with the flow. Between structure and spontaneity. We all do have individual ways of moving through life and there is no one perfect way. And they are not mutually exclusive. But ‘going with the flow’ and being spontaneous may become chaotic. It can make us feel our life is out of control because we are reacting all over the place, following addictions or unhealthy coping patterns. Not calm and at peace. Then, bringing in more structure can be very helpful.

Healthy self-discipline has become somewhat out of fashion as a concept. But it is difficult to live an intentional, conscious life without some self-discipline. It is difficult to have good health without good habits. But there are many ways of framing this. I just like this concept of gentle self-discipline. For others, it might feel better to frame it as unlearning bad habits and learning some better ones.