NUTRITION
The science of nutrition studies the relationship between diet, state of health and disease. Our nutritionist will help you to make changes to your lifestyle and diet for your optimum nutrition and long-term health. This will take into account your current lifestyle, diet, body composition and possible food intolerances.
Through an initial consultation, our nutritionist builds a complete picture of your medical and family history, current diet, environment and lifestyle. If more information is needed, the Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre has a wide range of further diagnostic tests available (e.g. BCA).
Based on the personal information gathered, the nutritionist will design a meal plan for you, tailored to your individual needs, and provide practical advice on how to maintain a healthy daily lifestyle. These needs might include weight loss, addressing maldigestion, indigestion, dietary aspects – or to balance certain minerals or vitamins, both through natural food sources and possibly high quality natural supplements.
Sandra Perez
Elena Naranjo
GUT AND PSYCHOLOGY SYNDROME (GAPS)
Do you or any of your family members regularly experience common digestive complaints, such as heartburn (reflux), indigestion, bloating, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea? Do any of you suffer from eczema, asthma, dyslexia, or depression? Have your children received labels such as autism, ADD or ADHD? Do you wonder if there is a common link between any of these things?
The GAPS Nutritional protocol is known as the GAPS diet was developed by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride The premise of the GAPS diet is that there is a correlation between the state of your intestinal flora and your state of health.
According to Dr. Natasha the digestive system holds the root of our health. People with a GAPS condition stem from an unhealthy gut.
Read more...
When the digestive system is unwell, instead of being a source of nourishment, it becomes a major source of toxicity in the body and nothing in the body can function well.
The list of GAPS conditions is long, and they are divided into two groups:
- Gut and Psychology Syndrome (GAPS)
- Gut and Physiology Syndrome (GAPS)
Gut and Psychology Syndrome or GAPS includes learning disabilities and mental disorder, such as autism, ADHD/ADD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, addictions, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, epilepsy, eating disorders and many other conditions, which affect the function of the brain. Man of these conditions have no established diagnostic labels and present themselves as a mixture of various so called mental symptoms; mood alterations, memory and cognitive problems, behavioral and social problems, panic attacks, anxiety, involuntary movements, various tics and fits, sensory problems etc.
Gut and Physiology Syndrome or GAPS includes various chronic physical conditions, which stem from an unhealthy gut, such as autoimmune conditions (celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes type one, MS, lupus, osteoarthritis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune skin problems etc), atopic conditions (asthma, eczema, various allergies), food allergies, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ME, PMS and other menstrual problems, many endocrine disorders (thyroid, adrenal and other), and all digestive disorders (such as IBS, gastritis and various colitis). Many conditions do not fit into any diagnostic box and can present as a mixture of symptoms; digestive problems, fatigue, muscular weakness, cramps and abnormal muscle tone, pain and ache in joints and muscles, skin problems, hormonal abnormalities.
The GAPS diet has three phases: diet, supplementation & detoxification.
The diet plan is the most important element of the treatment and offers a food list that changes depending on your current program phase. The purpose of the GAPS nutritional component is to heal the gut. There are lots of foods that would have to be eliminated but can easily be replaced with lots of other healthy delicious options. Healthy fats are crucial in the GAPS diet protocol, so are fermented foods, meat broths and other probiotic foods such as yoghurt and kefir.
The supplementation varies a little from person to person, however, probiotics play a vital role. At times no supplements are recommended to start with and only dietary recommendations are made.
Lifestyle changes & detoxification: the removal of other toxins in one's life will be discussed such as cleaning chemicals and toiletries. Juices, enema's, Epsom salt baths, skin brushing will be included in the detoxificiation phase.
While it may seem strange or even unbelievable that neurological disorders like autism can be mitigated or even addressed through dietary changes, families that have been dissatisfied by currently available treatments have flocked to the GAPS diet, and many have experienced improvement.
For further information and testimonials please contact 043351200 or info@dubaihtc.com
HEALTHY RECIPES
Cannellini Bean & Roasted Red Pepper Dip
An amazing snack to take with you to the office so hunger pangs at any time can be dealt with in a healthy and filling manner. It can be prepared ahead and will keep fresh in the fridge for a few days. Serve in a small bowl with i.e corn chips, mini rice crackers or a few fresh vegetable sticks such as cucumber, carrot, zucchini etc.
Ingredients:
2 red peppers, sliced length ways
1 can of cannellini beans, drained
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Add the sliced peppers to a roasting tin, and drizzle a little olive oil over them. Place into a hot oven, and roast until the peppers are soft, and start to get a little charred on the outside. At this point they are done.
Add the roasted peppers, beans, garlic, and oil to a food processor, along with a little crystal salt. Blend into a thick, smooth dip.
What are the Medicinal Properties of..
Cannellini Beans?
Cannellini beans are a wonderful source of dietary fibre. This is very important for maintaining digestive health and ensuring full and rapid removal of waste products, avoiding auto toxicity. Cannellini beans are also a good source of zinc, which can prove to be a vital nutrient in managing acne. Zinc also regulates testosterone production and activity, which can often be out of balance in many cases of acne.
Red Peppers?
The rich red colour of red peppers is due to the high concentration of antioxidant flavonoids, which can help protect the skin from free radical damage. There is direct correlation between the intake of foods high in antioxidants over a lifetime, and the overall ageing of the skin.
Quinoa Herb & Pomegranate Salad
A deliciously healthy and nutritious salad. Quinoa is a tiny grain (seed) originally from South America and can be found in a variety of colours, transparent, pink, orange, red, purple or black. Quinoa is an excellent source of magnesium, iron and potassium and is very versatile in its use. It can be eaten warm or cold, as a side dish or salad mixed with a variety of other ingredients.
Ingredients:
€¢ 150 g quinoa
€¢ ½ vegetable stock cube
€¢ 75 g pine nut
€¢ 1 pomegranate , seeds removed
€¢ A small handful mint, chopped
€¢ A small handful coriander , chopped
€¢ 1 lime , juiced
€¢ Extra-virgin olive oil
Method
Cook the quinoa according to pack instructions adding half a (organic) vegetable stock cube to the cooking water. Leave to cool, and then break up with a fork.
Meanwhile, toast the pine nuts in a dry frying pan until lightly golden. Mix the pine nuts, pomegranate seeds, herbs, lime juice and 4 tbsp. oil through the quinoa.
Of course you can exchange the pomegranate with another fruit of your choice (dried apricot is a nice one), or if you are not vegetarian, add some cooked shredded chicken.
Cabbage Mallum Salad
Mallums are like a salad, or tabouli, but instead of cracked wheat you use shredded or desiccated coconut. A mallum is made using any green vegetable. The veggies are thinly shredded and cooked quickly in a little (organic coconut) oil and some chilli just until the raw taste is gone. Mallums should be cooked at the last minute and served immediately.
Ingredients:
€¢ 1 tablespoon of organic coconut oil
€¢ 1 green chilli – finely sliced
€¢ ½ onion – finely sliced
€¢ 3 cups of thinly sliced cabbage
€¢ 1 cup of finely chopped parsley
€¢ ¼ cup desiccated (or freshly shredded) coconut – more if you like
€¢ little salt – to taste
€¢ ¼ teaspoon of ground mustard seeds
€¢ Juice of ½ lime or lemon
Method
Heat the oil in hot pan, add all the ingredients except lime juice and toss over heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, squeeze lime juice over and serve.
Variation
You can substitute most vegetables for the cabbage, other than salad leaves; try red cabbage, Asian greens, thinly sliced Bok Choy, Chinese cabbage or Brussel Sprouts.
Coconut Sambol (Chutney)
This is a deliciously healthy recipe for a coconut chutney using fresh or dried finely grated coconut. It can be used as side dish with bread or rice or any vegetable dishes of your choice.
Ingredients:
€¢ 1 cup of fresh or dried shredded coconut
€¢ ½ cup chopped onions
€¢ 2 green chillies
€¢ 1 small clove of garlic
€¢ 1 teaspoon dried red chilli flakes (optional)
€¢ 1 teaspoon of chilli powder (optional)
€¢ 5 curry leaves
€¢ Salt & pepper to taste
€¢ Juice of ½ lime of lemon
Method
Place onion, chilli, garlic, chilli flakes and powder, curry leaves in food processor and blend. Add the salt, pepper and coconut and blend until mixture is bound.
Remove from food processor, put in bowl, mix in lime or lemon juice and serve!
A few health benefits of coconut:
€¢ Coconut is a very versatile and indispensable fruit for most people under the tropical belt. It is a complete food is rich in calories, vitamins, and minerals. An average-size nut weighing 400 g edible meat and water provide almost all the daily-required essential minerals, vitamins, and energy for a medium-sized person.
€¢ Although, its meat is disproportionately high in saturated fats on comparison to other common edible nuts, coconut has many bioactive compounds that are essential for better health.
€¢ The important saturated fatty acid in the coconut is lauric acid (1:12 carbon fatty acid). Lauric acid increases HDL cholesterol levels in the blood. HDL is a high-density lipoprotein, which has beneficial effects on the coronary arteries by preventing vessel blockade (atherosclerosis).
€¢ Coconut water is a very refreshing drink to beat tropical summer thirst. The juice is packed with simple sugar, electrolytes, minerals, and bioactive compounds such as cytokinin, and enzymes such as acid phosphatase, catalase, dehydrogenase, peroxidase, polymerases, etc. Altogether, these enzymes aid in digestion and metabolism.
€¢ The kernel is an excellent source of minerals such as copper, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and zinc.
€¢ It is also a very good source of B-complex vitamins such as folates, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, and pyridoxine. These vitamins are essential in the sense that body requires them from external sources to replenish.
€¢ Coconut meat and water contain a very good amount of potassium. 100 g of fresh meat contains 356 mg% or 7.5% of daily required levels of potassium.
Dairy & Gluten Free Breakfast Balls
An easy to make recipe which is good to have as a snack or a quick on the go breakfast. Particularly helpful for those with a dairy or gluten intolerance or allergy but it can be enjoyed by anyone!
Ingredients:
€¢ 1/3 cup walnuts
€¢ 1/4 cup sesame seeds
€¢ 1/2 cup almonds
€¢ 1/3 cup pumpkin seeds
€¢ 1/3 cup chia seeds
€¢ 1/4 cup nut unsweetened nut butter such as almond butter
€¢ 1/4 cup honey
€¢ 1/2 cup tahini
€¢ You can also add 2 tablespoons of some super green powder to boost nutrient density
Method
Put all ingredients in food processor and mix, you can add a little water (2 tbsp.) if mixture is too dry. Scoop out mix and then make into little balls to be eaten straight away or kept in fridge, where they will last several days.
Red Beet (salad)
Beets are rich in potassium. Potassium counterbalances sodium, which causes water retention and bloating, and has diuretic properties. The fresh ginger in this salad is an age-old remedy for bloating.
Serves 1
Ingredients:
€¢ 1/2 cup raw beets, peeled and grated
€¢ 1/2 cup organic carrots, grated
€¢ 2 tbsp apple juice
€¢ 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
€¢ 1/2 tsp fresh ginger, minced
€¢ 1/8 tsp sea salt
How to prepare:
€¢ Combine grated beets and carrots in a small bowl.
€¢ Mix apple juice, olive oil, ginger, and salt in a separate bowl and drizzle over salad mixture.
€¢ Toss gently.
Enjoy!
Dr. Vimala Lewis is an alumnus of the prestigious Fr. Muller’s Homeopathic Medical College and Hospital, Mangalore, India. She graduated in 1991 with a Bachelor Degree in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery. Thereafter she worked at a Government Homeopathic Centre in Udupi, India for a brief period before joining her alma mater as a tutor for Homeopathic Materia Medica, where she worked for 2 years. She was assigned duties to the outpatient department of the hospital at the same time. Later on she started her own private consultancy in her hometown and practiced homeopathy for a couple of years.
Dr. Eram Mohd Shaikh is an established and highly skilled General Practitioner with strong focus towards Integrative Medicine. Being born and brought up in Dubai, she graduated from one of the leading universities in UAE and was trained in multiple hospitals across the Emirates such as, Sheikh Khalifa Hospital in Abu Dhabi and Al Baraha Hospital in Dubai.
Dr. Asha Jones has many years of broad practical experience in Ayurvedic medicine and treatment in India and in UAE. Since graduating in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery from India’s highly reputed Government Ayurvedic College in Trivandrum, Kerala, Asha Jones has worked as a consultant in many of the country’s Ayurvedic hospitals and centres. She has been practicing in U A E since 2004. Jones joined Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre in 2011.
After graduating in 1992 as an allopathic physician from the University of Bonn, Germany, Dr Maria worked for three years in neurology and four years in psychiatry. She had extensive training in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (acupuncture & herbal prescriptions). Furthermore she has a Master’s Degree in Preventive Medicine from Dresden International University. Dr Maria is licensed as a conventional and as a CAM physician. She is also trained in homoeopathy, naturopathy, and is fluent in English, German and Spanish.
With over 8 years of experience practicing acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the United Arab Emirates, Shan Xu is highly passionate about functional and integrative medical approaches that honor the concept of holism, which is central to TCM.
Jing Zeng got the medical degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 when she completed her 6 years studying at Guangxi Traditional Chinese Medicine University, China. Ever since then she has been working as a doctor of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine.During 2005-2007, Jing Zeng was selected to follow Acupuncture Master Dr Dong Hongtao (a reputed Acupuncturist and Herbalist in China) to learn acupuncture techniques. And during 2008-2010, she worked in the affiliated hospital of Guangxi TCM University. In the year 2010 she became a Member of The World Federation of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies, as well as relocating to Dubai to continue her profession. With enthusiasm, Jing Zeng has focused her practice in fertility support, rehabilitation, detox, energy balancing and facial acupuncture by Acupuncture treatment and prescriptions of herbal teas (decoctions).
Yang Yang has been practicing medicine for almost 20 years. She obtained her medical bachelor degree from Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2000 and worked in Dalian hospital as a TCM doctor. She pursued further study at Dalian Medical University and was awarded a Masters degree 2010. She treats her patients using acupuncture therapy combined with cupping, Chinese herbs, moxibustion and lifestyle management to treat both physical and psychological problems, in order to promote health and wellbeing both spiritually and mentally.
Zhiyan Shi completed her Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2008 at Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine. During her Master’s Degree studies, she worked at the affiliated Foshan Chinese Medicine Hospital. From 2011 to 2015, she worked in the No.181 Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army. Her therapies include TCM consultation, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, tuina massage and ear point treatment. Zhiyan has focused on fertility support, rehabilitation, detox, acupressure, energy balancing, facial acupuncture by Acupuncture treatment and prescriptions of herbal teas (decoctions). Besides other diseases she is specially trained on treating arthritis, rheumatism, muscle strain, tennis elbow, headache, migraine, immune system diseases, insomnia, neck-, shoulder-, low-back- and leg pain. She joined Dubai Herbal and Treatment Centre in 2015.
Dr. Acharya has five decades of clinical experience and four decades in hospital administration. After seven years in the National Health Services (NHS, UK), Dr. Acharya held the position of Director of Primary Healthcare in the Department of Health & Medical Services, Government of Dubai from 1972 until 2002. During this period, he was also Head of the Dermatology Department and Liaison Officer for WHO. Upon completing his tenure at DOHMS, Dr. Acharya helped to establish the Dubai Herbal & Medical Centre (DHTC) as one of the first truly integrative medical centres in the UAE. From 2002 until 2010, he held the role of Medical Director at DHTC, while continuing to practice integrative dermatology.
Beena Joseph obtained her diploma in Ayurvedic Nursing, Massage and Panchakarma from the Kerala Health Care Centre & Para Medical Institute in 2003. She has more than ten years’ experience in a reputed traditional hospital in India. After obtaining her MOH /DHA License in 2008 she worked as an Ayurvedic Therapist in a Medical Centre in Dubai. She joined DHTC in 2014. She is well experienced in all Ayurvedic Therapies, Ayurvedic Massages & Facials and feel well Treatments.