Listen to Dr. F Hansa of Homeopath Durban on Radio Al-Ansaar for Medical Files Monday. Dr. Hansa and her guest Dietitian Radha Joshi discuss nutrition after having Bariatric Surgery.
Category: Health
Podcast – Arthritis and Osteoporosis
Listen to Dr. F Hansa of Homeopath Durban on Radio Al-Ansaar for Medical Files Monday. Dr. Hansa and her guest chiropractor Dr. Farzana Motala discuss Arthritis and Osteoporosis.
Cognitive Decline
Wow, maintaining a blog is much, much harder than I anticipated!
I’ve been meaning to write this post for whole month now but life just got in the way.
At the beginning of last month I attended a seminar on cognitive decline which literally blew my mind! It’s not often that you are inspired by specialists who take the time to share so much of their knowledge.
The main focus was on Alzheimer ’s disease, nutrition, functional medicine, reversal of symptoms and collaborative care.
In the past, the patient-doctor relationship was very much commanding that the patient follow these rules and take this medicine because as a doctor I know what is best for you etc.
Now, there is an awakening that is happening amongst the medical profession.
Empowering versus dictating.
The creating of self-awareness where we are shifting the focus and allowing the patient to be in charge of their own destiny. What is your patient’s purpose in life, what are their health goals? How can you assist in improving their quality of life? Get to know you patient. It’s important to know which type of patient has the disease than what disease the patient has.
What is Alzheimer’s disease?
The mono-therapeutic approach does not work anymore. There are essentially four key elements that need to be in place for ANY type of transformation to occur, diet, lifestyle, sleep and nutrition.
Collaborative care, what does it mean? Ever heard the term, it takes a village? Well yes, in these cases that’s exactly what the plan should be. Try to get as many people involved in trying to nurse this person back to health. We cannot place the burden on one person alone ( caring for a person with alzheimer’s increases the risk of getting alzheimers). Get the family involved, neighbours, doctors, dietician etc.
Below is a list of advice, vitamins, herbs and supplements that play an important role in mental health:
- Following a ketogenic diet
- Methyl B12
- Curcumin
- Bacopa
- Ashwaganda
- Vitamin D
- Pre/probiotics
- Magnesium trianate
- Omega 3 (DHA)
- CoQ10
- Coconut oil
- 5HTP
- Resvirotrol
- And last but not least, Exercise!
It is obviously impossible to take every single supplement that could benefit but us, but the objective should be to make small but permanent lifestyle changes that lead to healing.
Wishing you the best of health,
Dr Hansa
WORN OUT?
B12/B-COMPLEX INJECTIONS
Benefits can include :
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Boost metabolism
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Increased energy
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Reduce fatigue, stress and headaches
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Help mental clarity
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Help burn fat
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Regulate sleep, mood and appetite
Normally, most people run away from the injection option, but recently I attended a wellness day at a school and was so surprised at the request for these jabs! Being a school teacher is hard work! (So is being a parent!)
Let’s be honest, we all could use a little extra help sometimes. These are great if you have been feeling a little run down lately. We often burn the candle at both ends only to end up neglecting our health. Adrenal support is vital for fatigue and burn-out. My advice would be to see a practitioner near you for a shot and a good adrenal tonic to pull you out of any rut you may have fallen into!
If you are in the Musgrave area do give us a call if you think you could benefit from the above!
Wishing you the best of health for 2017!
Dr F HANSA
031 2202033
Hello 2017
OK I must admit, I’ve been quite bad at this blogging idea. Kids can keep you extremely busy!
So here’s my first blog for 2017…. I’ll make this short and sweet.
SCHOOL!
At the beginning of every year, most families are preparing to send their kids off to school…playschool, preschool, primary school, high school…when does it end!?
With that, comes the mingling of many, many, mannnyyy germs that your precious ones will encounter. We need to prepare them, prep their tiny developing immune systems in order for them to ward off all these infections.
The bare essentials :
- ECHINACEA : Immune booster of note, especially the practitioner range that is safe for the whole family. Take every day as a preventative and double up during acute infections.
- OLIVE LEAF : The same as above with the added power of being anti-parasitic, so if you’re suspecting a worm infestation this would be your go-to tincture!
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s talk brain power! Especially during exam time but also a good all year rounder type of herb is BACOPA . A good tincture to assist with poor memory, anxiety and lack of concentration. Bacopa is also noted for its usage in ADHD (clinically proven trials!). So if you feel that your child needs the extra help, please give this herb a try!
Wishing you all the best of health for this year! (I think my next article should be about how to deal with the stress of being a parent!)
Dr Fatima Hansa
Pink Ribbons : Not Just for October
Breast Cancer Awareness month
A month dedicated to raise awareness for breast cancer, it’s treatment and the need for a permanent cure. Raised awareness has led to early detection at a more treatable stage. Let us remember and acknowledge that cancer awareness is not confined to one month . Show your support by buying a pink ribbon to wear all year round.
Mental Health Awareness month
There is a strong need to educate the public about mental health as well as to reduce the stigma involved with those suffering from a condition such as Anxiety, Depression, Substance abuse, stress etc. Many of these conditions have a direct impact on one’s quality of life. Attaining the correct treatment will also improve productivity at the workplace or school with a decrease in absenteeism. Homeopathy is an excellent form of Intergrative Medicine with a gentle, holistic approach with no side effects.
ADHD Awareness month
Have a look at my first blog post for more information.
Wishing you the best of health
Dr Fatima Hansa
Diabetes Part 2 : Alternative Treatment
So you’ve been diagnosed, now what?
Always, always, always manage a chronic condition such as diabetes with a qualified health practitioner. KNOW YOUR NUMBERS. Check your glucose levels often and DIARISE! Do Not blindly move towards the natural route if you are not monitoring your levels.
- GYMNEMA
A well-known herb known for lowering blood glucose levels. Generally safe to use long term. Not advised for children as well as pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- MORINGA (Also known as drumstick)
Drumstick, is quite commonly cooked in Indian households, especially amongst the older generation, and now, science has linked their long-term use to many health benefits.
The leaves of this tree are loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, not to mention anti-inflammatory properties!
Moringa has also demonstrated that it may have anti-diabetic as well as cholesterol-lowering properties as well.
If you are buying the powdered form, add this to your daily smoothie!
- CHIA SEEDS
Contraindicated in those taking blood thinners.
More antioxidants in this one, these tiny seeds are full of fiber, calcium and contain an exceptionally high amount of omega-3’s.
The seeds can be taken in many ways, initial dosage , 1 tablespoon a day that you can add to water, juice, a smoothie, cereal, even a dessert!
These seeds may assist in controlling blood glucose levels, reduce your appetite as well as provide a healthier source of energy. Come on, who doesn’t need this?!
Well, if you were looking for a jump-start into a new you, this is as good as any! You can do this! Start small, form a habit, everything will fall into place soon.
Good Luck!
Dr Fatima Hansa
Diabetes Part 1
Diabetes….a life sentence or a life opportunity to treat your body the way it deserves?
Just a quick description before we move on :
Diabetes Type 1 : The body destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin ( daily insulin injections needed)
Diabetes Type 2 : Not enough insulin produced OR less insulin receptors on the body cells. (Glucophage/Metformin is the most common first-line treatment)
Insulin : This hormone Allows GLUCOSE into your cells. Without the correct functioning of this hormone, glucose remains in your blood stream which is called hyperglycaemia.
A normal fasting blood glucose level should be below 6.5.
Those at risk of developing type 2 diabetes :
- Those with close blood relatives who are already diagnosed as diabetic.
- Obesity, especially central obesity(abdominal fat).
- Women with Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrome(PCOS).
Symptoms to watch out for :
- Urination very frequent
- Hungry often
- Thirsty often
- Fatigue
- Slow healing
- Blurred vision
Lifestyle Changes :
- WEIGHTLOSS : Aim for realistic weight loss goals, motivate yourself to keep up with a regular exercise routine(physical activity lowers blood glucose levels).
- HEALTHY EATING : Cut down on Fat, salt and sugar.
- NO SMOKING
- Look after your feet
- Regular eye exams
The Hyperactive Epidemic
The diagnosis and treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) with prescription medication is staggering. Over the past decade an alarming number of parents have been faced with the daunting decision of how to address this growing dilemma.
ADHD is a condition that effects a child’s behaviour or learning (development). These children have three main behavioural problems, inattention, impulsively and over-activity.
As an individual inflicted with ADHD or parent of an ADHD child, you may consider using natural herbal remedies before turning to prescription medication
Unlike conventional medicine, homeopathy seeks to treat each child as an individual. A thorough case history is fundamental in prescribing the correct remedy. Homeopathy offers a safe gentle healing, that may be combined with other therapies or treatments. ADHD does not present with the same set of symptoms and reactions in everyone with the disorder. This is one reason why homeopathic treatments are sometimes more effective than the one-size-fits-all approach of conventional medicine.
Nutrition also plays a fundamental role in assisting a hyperactive child. Though there are several types of potent ADHD prescription medications available, many parents prefer using the natural treatment options which includes vitamins and minerals. Try to eliminate processed foods, preservatives, fizzy drinks and excessive amounts of sugar.
Supplements to include in your child’s diet would be zinc, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.
So, for those who are dealing with ADHD and for those parents trying to optimize the environment for your children with ADHD, keep in mind that even if medications are relatively safe, the chance that you can achieve optimal results is still better by creating a supportive environment, optimal rest and nutrition, and creating situations that lessen distractions.
Any changes to medication should always be supervised by a doctor.
Dr. Fatima Hansa
Musgrave Medical Centre, M.Tech: Homeopathy (DUT),Physiology lecturer,DUT, 2015