Tag: alternative

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

 

 

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