“Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease” – Hippocrates
Vaga Nutrition is here to support you, your health and well-being from a whole person approach.
Nutritional Medicine bridges the gap in health care and takes a bespoke approach to health, healing, prevention and wellness, helping restore the body’s natural ability to heal.
Maca – AKA Lepiduim Meyenii or Peruvian Ginseng. 
This beautiful ancient food has been used for centuries. It is a native root vegetable of the cruciferous family from Peru.
The size of Maca root is similar to that of a turnip or large radish, and reproduces using its own seeds, via self-pollination. One plant can take up to 200 days to mature bearing over 1,000 seeds (equating to approximately 1 gram).
The color of Maca varies from a cream-color to black. The cream-colored one is the most prominently grown. Other colors include red, purple, and, as mentioned, black.
Maca is a rich source of beautiful nutrients including zinc, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, fatty acids, and amino acids. The darker colors tend to have greater amounts of iodine.
As a dried food, Maca can last for many years.
Today, Maca is a popular ‘superfood’, and used in the dried and raw form in smoothies, juices, and as a topping for cereal-based breakfasts.
TRADITIONAL USES OF MACA
Maca, as we see it today in Western cultures (dried and raw) is not the only way this food is consumed by the natives of Peru. It is traditionally a cooked food, which is roasted and mashed. The roasting and mashing of Maca provides a thick liquid, which is then dried and used like a porridge. It is traditionally added to soups and stews, jams and all manner of native Peruvian dishes. It is often ground up and used as a flour. The leaves are also edible and used in salads.
In ancient times, Maca was given to the Incan people for strength. It is believed to be a potent aphrodisiac (which one can assume due to its amazing nutritional profile), particularly for men, where it increases the libido. Maca has also been used to increase energy. The adaptogenic properties of Maca make it an excellent food source for calming the nervous system.
While many people across the globe now use Maca for various reasons, it is important to note a few points.
Maca (gelatinized) has been shown to be effective for women in peri-menopausal phase of life, where estrogen levels decline.
It is important to remember the traditional use and consumption of certain foods that are not part of our heritage and natural environment in order to achieve the greatest benefit. Many traditional foods have unexpected results on the body, and can cause issues for some people. This is also why it’s important to discuss these things with your health care provider before adding new things to your daily diet.
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I’m tired. I feel defeated and broken. Normally I have a very thick skin, but not lately.
Here’s why…
In recent weeks, I have noticed a massive increase in the slamming of alternative and complementary therapies. You’ve probably noticed this too.
Surrounding the death of “The Wellness Warrior”, Jess Ainscough, labels have been thrown around like nobody’s business, claiming her “refusal” of traditional cancer treatments (chemo and the like) caused her premature death. She DID have treatment. She CHOSE to live and die on her terms. And who has the right to pay out on ANYONE who decides to do that??
Now, to go about and suggest that ‘alternative’ therapies are going to kill people, is absolutely fucking ludicrous. Tell me how many people have died from mainstream cancer treatments? Millions. Now, this is not to suggest that people shouldn’t have treatment. Far from it.
Next, Belle Gibson. The Whole Pantry App creator and ‘wellness’ blogger who has allegedly lied about having a life threatening brain cancer, along with multiple other cancers throughout her body, and potentially failed to pass on ‘fundraising dollars’ from the 200,000+ downloads of the app. Where is she to justify and denounce these claims? Hiding, somewhere. I don’t know where. I don’t particularly care either. I never followed her story. Until now.
I was curious, so tried to catch up on the ‘big deal’.
She advocated for whole foods and health and healing.
Now, the hoopla surrounding an upcoming book called Bubba Yum Yum, co-authored by Pete Evans, a celebrity chef and Charlotte Carr, a mommy blogger. It has been leaked that a recipe for an infant formula containing bone broth and beef or chicken liver may have the potential to ‘kill babies’ due to toxic amounts of Vitamin A.
Yep, I agree. Vitamin A can become toxic, and very quickly too. Especially for new babies, where their little organs just aren’t ready for processing such high amounts of the vitamin.
Should we bag Pete Evans for it? No. It’s not his recipe. Hell, I don’t even know what’s in the damn recipe for certain.
So now all therapies that are whole food based are ‘dangerous’ and ‘killing’ people.
Whatever.
Here are some quotes from the media recently. I am not naming the paper’s reporting these things either.
“Surgical oncologist and blogger David Gorski wrote that Ms Ainscough clearly had noble motivations but was both a victim of, and complicit in, promoting dangerous therapies.”
“Jess Ainscough had a shot, one shot. She didn’t take it,” he said.
My response…She did not have one shot. She had treatment. She chose not to have her arm removed and live and die on her terms. There was no guarantee her life would be prolonged with radical amputation.
Is that my fault? No.
“She’s already extended a 30-minute consult and I’m pushed for time. I nudge the door shut with my foot, and sit down…
I have lost patients to all of those treatments, I tell her quietly…
If you really want my opinion, I’d say avoid them all. Your chemotherapy is going well.
We now know that many of these therapies are not only unhelpful but are downright dangerous…
Herbs and supplements can interact with chemotherapy and reduce its efficacy, a real drawback when therapy is given with curative intent…
Oncologists and alternative health practitioners move in different spheres though plenty of evidence suggests we end up looking after the same patients…
As does the troubling realisation that a doctor can face reprimand for inadvertent error but an alternative practitioner can get away with intentional harm…
“Does the natural therapist, coffee enema prescriber or wave therapy expert ever discuss patient care with an oncologist? Not in my experience. There is never written correspondence or a phone call”…
My response…In my clinical practice, I hear ALL THE TIME that patients don’t feel heard and rushed. How about specialists allocate more time with their patients? I know when I have been to specialists I am rushed out in 15 minutes and my questions not answered. I have lost family and friends who chose only conventional cancer treatment. A good, qualified ‘alternative’ medicine practitioner knows how to use their therapies in conjunction with traditional cancer treatments. I’ve done it, very successfully. I don’t set out to ‘cure’ anybody of cancer. If I even said the word ‘cure’ I would be stripped of my license to practice. I have tried on a number of occasions to work with medical doctors and specialists for the ‘best possible patient outcomes’, only to be told that what I do won’t make a difference and it’s not backed by science. Some of my patients won’t discuss they are even seeing me with their mainstream medics, out of fear. Some that have, have been told that what I do won’t make any difference, so to stop all therapies I provide. Others have been given the brush off and the doctor won’t even talk about it or acknowledge it.
“There’s enough pseudoscience in Gerson therapy and many other alternate therapies that for the unsuspecting and vulnerable, they seem like they could work. It’s time for us to step up and provide better information to the public so Australians can make truly informed choices, before anyone else dies a preventable death using alternative medicines”…
My response…I have a Science degree. Nutritional medicine is not ‘pseudo-science’. Without nutrients, people die.
“Independent consumer watchdog Choice echoed Dr Parnis’ advice. “It’s really important that people understand the difference between medical science and alternative therapies,” a Choice spokesman said. “If you are really unwell, your first port of call should not be an alternative therapist”…
My response…It’s really important that Western medicine acknowledge the benefits of real food and nutrients. There is more than enough research out there on nutrition. If there wasn’t, why would medical degrees have, even if it’s only an hours worth, nutrition as part of the degree.
And this gem of a headline.
“Another day, another ‘natural cancer treatment’ is proven to be a tragic lie.”
My response…Extraordinarily misleading. Considering the actual content of this article. The person who this refers to is the “liar” and not the treatment. Click-bait headlines like this are disgustingly misleading and false.
Let it go. No, I won’t.
To suggest that nutritional medicine is not based on science is FALSE. I hold a Bachelor of Health Science, majoring in nutritional medicine. YES, a real degree. From a real college, that is government approved. I have done thousands of clinical hours both as a student and as a practitioner. I am trained in evidence-based practice. I do continuing education. All the time. I critically review hundreds of scientific research papers each week. That’s what I am trained to do.
When name-calling, and use of the words ‘dangerous’, ‘killing people’, ‘negligent’, ‘pseudo-science’ and such are thrown around like bouncy balls at a fun house, I take it personally. And it has started to verge on defamatory.
No, I don’t have all the answers, but does medicine?
Headlines that include ‘cure’ are becoming normal, and I certainly do not support that either. I didn’t write the article, nor am I an editor. In fact, what it does is give those of us with actual science degrees in ‘alternative’ therapies a very bad name.
Nutritional medicine is not an alternative therapy. It is science. As I mentioned earlier, the body needs nutrients, and nutrition. Without them, people become very unwell and die.
As a health professional, I pride myself on my work with patients and working integratively with Western Medicine. Do not continue to put me in the same box as those who are not qualified.
I will support people who advocate for humans to make better food choices, regardless of their profile or qualifications. Whatever it takes to get the message out there that what is considered ‘food’ these days is actually extremely unhealthy and contributing to an increase in disease and illness in humans.
I will continue to work with my patients offering food as medicine for prevention, health, healing and wellness, and supplements where needed. Educating them and guiding them through the proverbial minefield of information available on the internet, and supporting their choices. No question that a lot of health information out there is garbage, written by people who are in no way qualified to offer health and medical advice. That’s why I spend countless hours trawling research papers.
I will support and guide my patients to medicine if needed, without being labelled ‘negligent’ or ‘dangerous’ and work within that. I will continue providing my patients information on medications and side effects of these medications, as well as offering alternatives, and working within my scope of practice. That’s what I am trained to do.
I will happily offer any doctor or medical specialist my time to help them understand where I am coming from, and the role of nutritional medicine in human health if they are willing to listen with an open mind, and an open heart to what my intentions are, which are the “best possible patient outcomes”.
I would love more than anything to be able to work together. There is no ego here. My heart and soul is in this for the long haul.
Calcium. An essential nutrient in human health.
WHAT EXACTLY IS CALCIUM?
Calcium is a soft, alkaline earth metal. It is one of the most abundant metals in the human body.
While there are a number of excellent sources of calcium, the main one that comes to mind is DAIRY food. Here, I will list all the other AMAZING foods that are rich in this wonderful nutrient and it’s benefits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF CALCIUM?
An excess of calcium in the body can lead to kidney stones, constipation, prostate cancer, accumulation in blood vessels and reduce the absorption of zinc and iron.
Calcium does not work alone. It requires others nutrients for absorption and metabolism including phosphorus, vitamin D and protein. If calcium levels in the body reduce, even slightly, it is drawn from other sources to assist in maintaining blood levels and prevent hypocalcemia (this happens within minutes of a decrease in serum calcium).
Absorption of calcium occurs in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), not in the stomach, and requires a pH of 6.5-7.5.
‘At risk’ groups for calcium deficiency are mainly women, however, adolescents, the elderly and men are also at risk. For women, post-menopause, physical hyperactivity, and those with eating disorders are at greater risk.
Deficiency may be caused by dietary habits, medications, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic disease, and genetic defects. A deficiency in calcium can lead to Rickett’s, blood clotting issues and osteoporosis, heart contraction problems, renal dysfunction, mood issues and hormone disorders.
The parathyroid glands house most of the body’s calcium receptors.
Consuming protein-rich foods with calcium help to reduce the risk of deficiency, and support bone and muscle growth and maintenance.
Calcium intake should come mainly from whole foods, rather than a single calcium supplement, as synergistic nutrients are found in whole food. While supplementing may be required for a number of reasons, it should contain a whole matrix of nutrients that work together with calcium for the best results.
CALCIUM CONTAINING FOODS
| Figs | Chives | Radish | Celery |
| Almonds | Walnuts | Cashews | Sesame seeds |
| Pumpkin seeds | Sunflower seeds | Seaweed & sea vegetables | Fish (with bones) |
| Leek | Amaranth leaves | Collard greens | Kale |
| Spinach | Mustard leaves | Arugula (rocket) | Turnip leaves |
| Dandelion | Beet leaves | Chicory | Watercress |
| Purslane | Swiss chard | Cos lettuce | Red leaf lettuce |
| Romaine | Garlic | Mushrooms | Taro |
| Parsley | Black-eyed beans | Edamame | Peas |
| Pinto beans | Black beans | Fava beans | Lima beans |
| Lentils | Chickpeas | Broccoli | Borage |
| Brussel’s sprouts | Cabbage | Cilantro (coriander) | Potatoes |
| Sweet potato | Green beans | Onions (+green tips) | Shallots |
| Rutabaga | Butternut pumpkin | Winter squash | Chili |
| Peppers (capsicum) | Artichoke | Parsnip | Carrots |
| Tomatoes | Cauliflower | Turnip | Alfalfa sprouts |
| Mung bean sprouts | Tahini | Lotus root | Kohlrabi |
| Asparagus | Zucchini | Chayote (choko) | Beets |
| Cassava | Yam | Bamboo shoots | Water chestnuts |
| Tofu | Tempeh | Parmesan | Ricotta |
| Mozzarella | Oranges | Tangerines | Red grapefruit |
| Papaya | Blackberries | Strawberries | Lime |
| Lemon | Kumquat | Peanuts | Pecans |
| Brazil nuts | Raspberries | Cherries | Coconut |
| Grapes | Cucumber | Celery | Hazelnuts |
| Macadamia nuts | Persimmon | Cinnamon | Artichoke |
| Eggs | Buckwheat | Quinoa | Blackstrap molasses |
| Maple syrup | Oats | Flaxseed | Oysters |
| Caraway | Black pepper | Mustard seeds | Poppy seeds |
As you can see, there are PLENTY of other sources of calcium besides MILK, which is a commonly referred to ‘food’ to increase your calcium intake. A great way to ensure you get enough calcium is to choose a combination of fresh foods daily. Assuming all absorption channels in the body are in good ‘working’ order, supplementation may not be required.
Some figures for calcium requirements are outlined below.
Australian Requirements =
Infants
| Age | AI |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | 210 mg/day |
| 7-12 months | 270 mg/day |
Children
| Age | EAR | RDI |
|---|---|---|
| All | ||
| 1-3 yr | 360 mg/day | 500 mg/day |
| 4-8 yr | 520 mg/day | 700 mg/day |
| Boys | ||
| 9-11 yr | 800 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
| 12-13 yr | 1,050 mg/day | 1,300 mg/day |
| 14-18 yr | 1,050 mg/day | 1,300 mg/day |
| Girls | ||
| 9-11 yr | 800 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
| 12-13 yr | 1,050 mg/day | 1,300 mg/day |
| 14-18 yr | 1,050 mg/day | 1,300 mg/day |
Adults
| Age | EAR | RDI |
|---|---|---|
| Men | ||
| 19-30 yr | 840 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
| 31-50 yr | 840 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
| 51-70 yr | 840 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
| >70 yr | 1,100 mg/day | 1,300 mg/day |
| Women | ||
| 19-30 yr | 840 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
| 31-50 yr | 840 mg/day | 1,000 mg/day |
| 51-70 yr | 1,100 mg/day | 1,300 mg/day |
| >70 yr | 1,100 mg/day | 1,300 mg/day |
https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/calcium
*EAR: estimated average requirement, RDI: recommended dietary intake, AI: adequate intake
United States Requirements =
| Age | Male | Female | Pregnant | Lactating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0–6 months* | 200 mg | 200 mg | ||
| 7–12 months* | 260 mg | 260 mg | ||
| 1–3 years | 700 mg | 700 mg | ||
| 4–8 years | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg | ||
| 9–13 years | 1,300 mg | 1,300 mg | ||
| 14–18 years | 1,300 mg | 1,300 mg | 1,300 mg | 1,300 mg |
| 19–50 years | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg | 1,000 mg |
| 51–70 years | 1,000 mg | 1,200 mg | ||
| 71+ years | 1,200 mg | 1,200 mg |
http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Calcium-HealthProfessional/
*RDA: recommended dietary allowance
©Vaga Nutrition 2015
Adrenal Fatigue is a condition where the adrenal glands can no longer function appropriately. Often caused by excess stress, adrenal fatigue manifests in a number of ways. When you feel you can no longer cope with even the smallest amount of stress, good or bad, you may be suffering from adrenal fatigue.
The adrenal glands are 2 triangular shape organs, one on top of each kidney. They are endocrine glands and help to produce and regulate various hormones throughout the body.
Hormones produced and regulated by the adrenal glands include
Any disturbance to the hormones from the adrenal glands can lead to the following symptoms, and can have chronic effects on the body. It is important to be mindful of yourself and how you are feeling in order to control the sense of overwhelm that comes from excess, accumulated stress.
Signs and symptoms of adrenal fatigue include
Chronic stress can overwhelm the adrenal glands, and this accumulation of stress comes from various sources such as holding onto things, not speaking out, not asking for help, physical and emotional stress, work/family/money pressures, death or injury of a loved one, and not being aware of oneself. Other things like bacterial and viral infections can lead to accumulation of stress on the body, especially infections like pneumonia and gastrointestinal parasites.
There are many ways that you can gain control of your health and help to prevent adrenal fatigue using diet and lifestyle techniques, and vitamin and mineral therapies to restore and balance insufficiencies that result from stress and adrenal fatigue.
We all have those irresistible cravings for chocolate now and again. There is no denying that a good chocolate-eating session can make us feel really good, but what does it really mean?
Chocolate is a remarkable food with amazing properties. The problem with it arises when we munch tirelessly on blocks or bars of milk chocolate, loaded with caramel or some other sweet and gooey goodness. This kind of chocolate is usually VERY high in sugar and trans-fats, and artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. It really messes with our blood sugar (glucose), and can create an environment in the body where we cannot stop having these sweet treats (sugar addiction).
Now, for something positive about chocolate.
Dark chocolate…
A small helping of dark or very dark chocolate once in a while is ok. Consider when you usually crave chocolate. Most likely around times of stress or, for women, PMS. Chocolate stimulates the ‘reward’ parts of the brain, leaving us feeling good, satisfied, and congratulated ‘for a job well done’. It can also be a form of reward when we suffer low self-esteem (this is for another post).
Chocolate from cacao beans, is rich in nutrients and ‘feel-good’ components.
While I don’t suggest we all go out and buy masses of chocolate, a small piece of organic, dark chocolate or raw cacao nibs can certainly be beneficial in improving mood, cognition and well-being.
It is important to recognize your triggers for chocolate cravings and, for women especially, be aware of your menstrual cycle. Any changes to blood glucose regulation that see you reaching for excessive and unconscious amounts of sweets may be a sign of other health problems.
