• Posted by: Tania Flack |
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In recent weeks I have started researching fluoride in Australian drinking water after being handed a documentary that made some unbelievable claims. Could it be possible that the fluoride added to our drinking water was not as I had thought, a pharmaceutical grade drug, used to strengthen teeth against decay, but in fact a toxic industrial waste by product sourced from the organophosphate fertilizer industry?

So I decided to research the facts for myself. After much time being left on hold to Sydney water, I was put through to a very helpful head technician at their water processing plant, who confirmed every detail....

The fluoride added to our drinking water is not the naturally occurring calcium fluoride that is found in trace amounts in water from rivers and streams, it is in fact hydroflurosilicic acid. This is a toxic waste by product sourced from the the two Incitec Pivot organophosphate fertilizer plants in Victoria. The research relating to fluoride and dental has been done on calcium fluoride, while to my knowledge, no specific research has been done on the health effects and dental benefits of hydrofluorosilicic acid.

• Posted by: Tania Flack |
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It's all very well for me to talk about the benefits of detoxification of which there are many, but how does the average person find the experience, and what are benefits in real terms? Earlier this year Guy Lawrence, a Personal Trainer, founder of 180 Nutrition and general fitness guru decided to undertake a 6 week detoxification program. You may wonder why someone who is fit and healthy decided to do a detox, well Guy likened it to putting your car in for a service.

Even if you feel that your diet and lifestyle is good it doesn't necessarily mean that you are protected against environmental toxins including pesticides and chemicals. Everyone is exposed to toxins on a daily basis, whether it be through the environment, diet or lifestyle. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar and processed foods are such a big part of the Australian lifestyle and ultimately add to the toxic load your body has to deal with every day. Generally our body is exceptionally good at dealing with toxins, however over time our ability to rid ourselves of these harmful substances diminishes and detoxifying helps to improve the function of organs responsible for detoxification including the liver, gut and kidneys.  

He did have some reservations, "How would the detox effect his training, would he be able to commit to changing his diet for 6 weeks and would he experience any symptoms during his detox? 'He was also curious to see how the detox would effect his strength and muscle mass and was pleasantly surprised at the end of the 6 week program.

• Posted by: Tania Flack |
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If there is one meal of the day that I see people struggling with it's breakfast. I am always disappointed with our Western fixation on toast and cereal for breakfast not to mention washing it all down with a coffee. Our over consumption of wheat and dairy in this country undoubtedly contributes to the increase in allergies seen in Australia in the last few decades. 

Most commercial breakfast cereals are full of sugar and while that may give you a quick pick-me-up in the morning it doesn't sustain your energy and people are looking for another quick fix to prop up flagging energy levels by morning tea. This can ultimately lead to wild fluctuations in energy and blood sugar levels throughout the day and ultimately contributes to weight gain and fatigue.

I always analyze peoples diet's during a consultation, and this meal is undoubtedly one of the main culprits when it comes to poor diet. Ironically it is the one meal that people are most resistant to change and often they are horrified when I ask them to consider a healthier alternative. "If I can't have toast and cereal for breakfast what will I eat?" They are always pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to whip up a quick healthy breakfast and often these small changes in diet are the ones that they continue on with over the years which makes a significant impact to long term health.