Eco gravity water filters naturally remove ceramic & organic charcoal, naturally removes Heavy Metals: Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Arsenic, etc. Suspended Solids to 0.7 microns: Microplastics, Oocysts, Amoebas & Bacteria: E-Coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Chemicals: Fluoride, Chlorine, Trihalomethanes, Pesticides, Petrochemicals, PFOA`s, Ammonia, etc.

Iridology is a useful diagnostic tool that analyses characteristics in the iris to determine information about your systemic health and  susceptibility towards certain illnesses

Ceramic & animal bone charcoal, naturally removes Heavy Metals: Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Arsenic, etc. Suspended Solids to 0.7 microns: Microplastics, Oocysts, etc. Amoebas & Bacteria: E-Coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc. Chemicals: Fluoride, Chlorine, Trihalomethanes, Pesticides, Petrochemicals, PFOA`s, Ammonia, etc.

3 Consultation Plan

Natural Medicine First Aid can reduce the use of antibiotics and medications and is suitable for those interested in herbal medicine, homeopathy and natural remedies to use at home and take on your travels.

Carina has 3 level 8 degrees in Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) and 7 children who have never had antibiotics. Having lived in the tropics and travelled extensively through South East Asia with the family, there is not a childhood disease she has not seen nor cannot treat using natural medicine. No one is more qualified to train you on how to raise your child naturally using evidence based and time tested natural medicine, from both east and west, traditional and modern. 

Your Practitioner

Natural First Aid is a series of 3 consultations 2 weeks apart

The initial consultation will focused on Fever Management and how to stock your Natural Medicine First Aid Kit and may discuss naturopathic treatment of a particular symptom or condition you wish to treat.

The second consultation will focus on Natural Medicine First Aid A-K including herbal medicine, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplement approaches, herbal teas and poultices to prevent and treat the whole gamut of acute diseases from accidents and anxiety to vomiting bugs and worms. There is a strong a focus on treating acute viral, bacterial and fungal infections with vigour.

The third consultation will focus on Natural Medicine First Aid L-Z including herbal medicine, homeopathic remedies, nutritional supplement approaches, herbal teas and poultices to prevent and treat the whole gamut of acute diseases from accidents and anxiety to vomiting bugs and worms. There is a strong a focus on treating acute viral, bacterial and fungal infections with vigour.

These consultations are tailored to the individual

Please contact us know if there is anything specific you wish to cover and it will be covered. For example you may be heading to the Solomon islands and have discovered there is an outbreak of Typhoid Fever and you want to know what you can do to avoid it.

Alternatively your child may have eczema and you want to know how to treat it naturally. This can also be included during your plan.

What will I learn?

• Fever management is at the crux of Natural Medicine First Aid. Don't get Fever Phobia. Learn how a good fever exercises your immune system and strengthens your Vital Force.
• Learn basic herbal & homeopathic medicines and nutritional supplements to treat everyday conditions from aches and sprains to travel sickness, with a focus on treating acute viral & bacterial infections to avoid antibiotics. Includes natural medicine approaches to treat tropical disease (if required
• Discover simple remedies from your kitchen and garden that can be used to make poultices and teas. Know the essentials for your Natural Medicine First Aid Kit to keep your children drug free.
• Everything that is discussed will be emailed to you. Essentially you will receive a personalised mini book on Natural Medicine First Aid.(The course can be attended by both parents if desired)

Natural Remedies Recommended

Homeopathic Prophylactic Kit for Children

First Aid Kit Large, Lung Tonic, Sinus Tonic, Immune Tonic

Remedies are available to purchase if desired at an additional cost.

For further details contact Carina Harkin BHSc.Acu.BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom. Cert. IV TAE. MPH (pend). This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ingredients

Cinnamon Cinnamomum zeylanicum

Gymnema Gymnema sylvestre

Globe artichoke Cynara scolymus

Nettle leaf Urtica dioica

Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum

Milk thistle Silybum marianum

Bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus

Quantity; 200ml. 1:1 cold percolation extracts or 1:2 cold percolation tinctures only. Herbs are organic or wildcrafted where possible. This product is at least 3 x stronger than over the counter products. 

Warning
The information presented in this article is not aimed to deter anyone from seeking professional medical advice. The product mentioned in this article has not been shown in any instance to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure disease according to the western medical paradigm. These herbal tonics have traditional indications and have been prescribed by herbalists for thousands of years.

If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, taking medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, or want a tonic for your child, book a consultation with a level 8 science degree qualified herbalist such as myself, trained in drug/nutrient, drug/herb interactions This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Worldwide shipping available! For accurate shipping rates outside Ireland  contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with contact name, phone number, full address and number of bottles. Bulk purchases are advised as courier costs for 3 bottles are the same as for 6 bottles. Orders can be mixed and matched. As a guide, I say for every year you have had a condition a month of treatment is required.  

Herbal bottles last approximately 3 weeks. Dose is generally 5 ml 2 x a day in a little water before meals.  

Avoid in cases of allergy to ingredients.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Food supplements should not replace a balanced diet.
Keep out of the reach of children.
If symptoms persist see your GP

Food Allergy & Intolerance series of consultations will diagnoses food allergy or intolerance, teaches how to reduce & rotate foods, treats underlying causes & long term therapy retrains the immune system.

Practitioner

Placing you on a low reactive diet and oral food challenge and works to alleviate the symptoms of your allergy by improving digestion of food proteins and improving the metabolism of histamine.

Series of consultations as follows:

The initial consultation will prescribe a Low Reactive Diet; foods that are considered to be the lowest in reactivity, or the safest from a chemical load view.

The second consultation will assist you to conduct an Oral Food Challenge (OFC) The OFC is or feeding test conducted in which the suspect food is eaten slowly, in gradually increasing amounts, under professional healthcare supervision.

The third consultation will assist you in introduce other foods, with a focus on reducing and rotating the Top 8 as complete elimination only increases sensitivities. The other focus is in treating the underlying causes of food allergy Increased Intestinal Hyperpermeability, digestive enzyme insufficiency & bowel flora imbalance.

Food allergy

Food allergy is an immunological reaction involving the production of an antibody. Food allergy can be either Immediate (IgE mediated)

or

Delayed (non IgE mediated). Life threatening anaphylaxis to peanuts is an example.

Food intolerance

Food intolerance is a pharmacological reaction to compounds in foods, similar to the side effects when taking medication. For example, a person who gets headaches from eating cheese, is experiencing a side effect to vasoactive compounds in cheese & has food intolerance.

The Food Allergy Food Allergy & Food Intolerance Test Plan;

• Diagnoses food allergy or food intolerance using the gold standard of food allergy tests, the Oligoantigenic Diet or Low Reactive Diet and Oral Food Challenge.
• Describes the Top 8 Food Allergens.
• Teaches you how to reduce & rotate suspect foods & find healthy alternatives to common problem foods.
• Treats the underlying causes of food allergy; Increased Intestinal Hyperpermeability or Leaky Gut Syndrome, digestive enzyme insufficiency & bowel flora imbalance.
• Long term therapy retrains the immune system so that it does not overreact to food proteins. (due to the Hygeine Hypothesis).
• Reinocculates bowel flora.

For further details contact Carina Harkin BHSc.Acu.BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom. Cert IV TAE. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Vegan eco gravity water filters naturally remove ceramic & organic charcoal, naturally removes Heavy Metals: Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Arsenic, etc. Suspended Solids to 0.7 microns: Microplastics, Oocysts, Amoebas & Bacteria: E-Coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Chemicals: Fluoride, Chlorine, Trihalomethanes, Pesticides, Petrochemicals, PFOA`s, Ammonia, etc. 

Natural Fertility & Pregnancy series of consultations, aims to expelthe body of toxins increasing circulation to the uterus while tonifying the uterine tissues & prepare the uterus for birth.

Practitioner

When preparing for conception it is important to create a healthy body environment to ensure a healthy pregnancy and child.

The Alternative Medicine Fertility plan supports the liver's natural detoxification processes to expel the body of toxins & prepare the uterus for birth. By encouraging the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones & supporting the uterus to cleanse itself of old stagnant blood, increasing circulation to the uterus while tonifying the uterine tissues.

Why do you need to conduct a fertility cleanse?

Bioaccumulation is a term used to describe the accumulation of fat soluble toxins including heavy metals such as lead, mercury & cadmium, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as PCBs, phthalates and bisphenol A, pesticides such as DDT & drugs in the body's fat cells. Many recent studies have confirmed widespread exposure and bioaccumulation of chemical toxicants and the negative health impacts on the development of the foetus and child.

Bioaccumulation has a negative effect on male fertility

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs such bisphenol A, phthalates, polychlorinated biphenyls, can interfere with normal hormonal balance and can adversely effect the male reproductive system leading to low sperm count and poor sperm motility and sperm quality. 3 4

The importance of vitamins & minerals to enhance fertility

Nutrition plays a big role in having healthy fertility and experiencing a healthy pregnancy. Nutritional deficiencies have been linked to hormonal imbalance, irregular ovulation and lowered egg health, low sperm count and low libido. Therefore it is important to address any nutritional deficiencies and ensure adequate intake of all these essential vitamins and minerals to enhance chances of conception.

The alternative medicine fertility plan is designed to;

• Regulate ovulation and menstruation to promote fertility.
• Use traditional aphrodisiac to promote libido
• Support adrenal function and improve energy
• Supporting liver phase I and Phase II detox processes to assist the body in eliminating endocrine disrupting and mutagenic chemicals
• Tonify the uterine muscle
• Cleansing the womb of any stagnant blood in preparation for conception.
• Ensure you and your partner have all the nutrients required to promote fertility

Natural ​Fertility & Pregnancy series of consultations, what to expect?

The initial consultation with the prospective mother aimed to specifically to boost libido and enhance Female Fertility and involves conducting a full length case history to ascertain current health level, along with a dietary assessment. If you have a presenting health condition it is better to book an individual consultation prior to commencing this course. This consultation will aim to make recommendations for a cleansing gentle detox diet to support Phase 1 & II Liver Detoxification Pathways and clean the uterus and testes of fat soluble toxins including heavy metals such as lead, mercury & cadmium, endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as PCBs, phthalates and bisphenol A, pesticides such as DDT & drugs in the body's fat cells including the uterus. This is essentially a Liver cleanse, Heavy Metal/Plastic Detox diet.

The second consultation

This is an individual consultation with the prospective father aimed to specifically to enhance Male Fertility.

The third consultation

This is a joint consultation with the prospective mother and father to discuss essential vitamins required to enhance fertility and increases chances of conception make a healthy baby and to make recommendations in regard to nutritional deficiencies. Specifically we will discuss food sources of folic acid, iron, B12, calcium, magnesium, the correct balance of omega 3: omega 6 all vital for foetal development.

For further details contact Carina Harkin MPH. BHSc.Acu.BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom. Cert IV TAE. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 1 Kim S et al., Association between maternal exposure to major phthalates, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants, and the neurodevelopmental performances of their children at 1 to 2years of age- CHECK cohort study.Sci Total Environ. 2018 May 15;624:377-384.

2 Niladri Basu et al., Mercury Levels in Pregnant Women, Children, and Seafood from Mexico City, Environ Res. 2014 Nov; 135: 63–69.

3 Hueiwang Anna Jeng1,Exposure to Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals and Male Reproductive Health, Front Public Health. 2014; 2: 55

4 Chao Wang et al., The classic EDCs, phthalate esters and organochlorines, in relation to abnormal sperm quality: a systematic review with meta-analysis, Sci Rep. 2016; 6

Ingredients

Fenugreek Trigonella foenum-graecum

Fennel Foeniculum vulgare

Alfalfa Medicago sativa

Milk thistle Silybum marianum

Elderberry Sambucus nigra

Asthma Weed Euphorbia hirta

Wild Yam Dioscorea villosa

Quantity; 200ml. 1:1 cold percolation extracts or 1:2 cold percolation tinctures only. Herbs are organic or wildcrafted where possible. This product is at least 3 x stronger than over the counter products. 

Warning
The information presented in this article is not aimed to deter anyone from seeking professional medical advice. The product mentioned in this article has not been shown in any instance to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure disease according to the western medical paradigm. These herbal tonics have traditional indications and have been prescribed by herbalists for thousands of years.

If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, taking medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, or want a tonic for your child, book a consultation with a level 8 science degree qualified herbalist such as myself, trained in drug/nutrient, drug/herb interactions This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Worldwide shipping available! For accurate shipping rates outside Ireland  contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with contact name, phone number, full address and number of bottles. Bulk purchases are advised as courier costs for 3 bottles are the same as for 6 bottles. Orders can be mixed and matched. As a guide, I say for every year you have had a condition a month of treatment is required.  

Herbal bottles last approximately 3 weeks. Dose is generally 5 ml 2 x a day in a little water before meals.  

Avoid in cases of allergy to ingredients.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Food supplements should not replace a balanced diet.
Keep out of the reach of children.
If symptoms persist see your GP

Vegan eco gravity water filters naturally remove ceramic & organic charcoal, naturally removes Heavy Metals: Lead, Cadmium, Chromium, Mercury, Arsenic, etc. Suspended Solids to 0.7 microns: Microplastics, Oocysts, etc. Amoebas & Bacteria: E-Coli, Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc. Chemicals: Fluoride, Chlorine, Trihalomethanes, Pesticides, Petrochemicals, PFOA`s, Ammonia, etc.

Ketogenic Diets stabilises blood sugar, reduces cravings, improves insulin sensitivity, treats metabolic syndrome & central obesity, assists fat metabolism, tonifies the thyroid gland to boost the Basal Metabolic Rate.

Your Practitioner

To achieve a state of ketosis By prescribing a Low GI carbohydrate restricted diet, forcing fat to be broken down to form ketones which are used instead of glucose as fuel for healthy body cells. Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.

Benefits of a Keto Diet

• Lowers cholesterol and triglycerides
• Induces rapid weight loss, in particular abdominal fat.
• Lowers blood sugar
• Improves energy
• Suppresses hunger

What to expect?

Your ketogenic diet and weight loss consultations

The first consultation will ascertain what you eat and make recommendations for a ketosis diet that suits you.

The second consultation will ensure firstly, that you have achieved a state of ketosis and secondly to address any issues you have surrounding the dietary recommendations.

The third consultation will assist you in moving from Phase 1 (short-term) into Phase 2 (long-term) of the diet. This occurs when you are near your goal weight. Phase 2 is the Keto Diet for Health and longevity, mimics fasting and is life extending.
Keto Diet for Weight Loss

This diet is a carbohydrate restrictive, high good fat, high healthy protein (including veg/vegan based protein) diet. Ketosis is a perfectly normal metabolic process. When we are unable to use carbohydrates as fuel for cells to burn for energy, fats are used instead. Ketones are produced as part of this process. In fact, ketones are the preferred source of fuel for our bodies. This diet is suitable for vegetarians/vegans. 

Benefits of a Ketogenic Diet

Lowers cholesterol: Lowers LDL & triglyceride levels and raises HDL (good cholesterol). (1)

Induce Rapid Weight Loss: Reduces body weight and body mass index. (1)

Lowers Blood Sugar: Studies show a ketosis diet can eliminate type 2 diabetes. (2, 3)

Enhances physical and cognitive performance: Ketone bodies are the most energy-efficient fuel and yield more ATP. (4)

Suppresses Appetite: High fats diets increase satiety. (5)

Starve Cancer Cells: Cancer cells need glucose for fuel. Only healthy cells can live on ketones. Studies indicate a ketosis diet is an adjunct therapeutic aid in cancer. (6, 7)

Treats neurodegenerative disease: Ketosis is neuroprotective and neuroregenerative (8) & therapeutic treatment in traumatic head injury, neurological disease (9) including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's (10) & epilepsy, (11)

Extends Life: The benefits of Calorie restriction/Keto diet are scientific fact. A Ketosis diet simulates the Calorie Restrictive Diet (12) that scientists have touted for the main reason behind Okinawan longevity. Like CR, Ketosis also activates telomerase the anti-ageing enzyme. Calorie restriction increases telomerase activity and enhances autophagy (breakdown of dead cells). (13) CR improves how cells respond to stress, how they break down (autophagy), induces apoptosis (programmed cell death ie in cancer cells), and alters hormonal balance. Autophagy in particular, is quality control inside cells. It is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and for the orchestration of an efficient cellular response to stress. Autophagic activity declines with age, and this contributes to the ageing process. (14)

Carina Harkin BHSc.Acu.BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom. Cert IV TAE. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

1. Dashti HM, Mathew TC, Hussein T, Asfar SK, Behbahani A, Khoursheed MA, et al. Long-term effects of a ketogenic diet in obese patients. Experimental and clinical cardiology. 2004;9(3):200-5.

2. Westman EC, Tondt J, Maguire E, Yancy WS, Jr. Implementing a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism. 2018;13(5):263-72.

3. Yancy WS, Jr., Foy M, Chalecki AM, Vernon MC, Westman EC. A low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet to treat type 2 diabetes. Nutrition & metabolism. 2005;2:34-.

4. Murray AJ, Knight NS, Cole MA, Cochlin LE, Carter E, Tchabanenko K, et al. Novel ketone diet enhances physical and cognitive performance. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2016;30(12):4021-32.

5. Gibson AA, Seimon RV, Lee CMY, Ayre J, Franklin J, Markovic TP, et al. Do ketogenic diets really suppress appetite? A systematic review and meta-analysis. 2015;16(1):64-76.

6. Klement RJ. Beneficial effects of ketogenic diets for cancer patients: a realist review with focus on evidence and confirmation. Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England). 2017;34(8):132.

7. Morscher RJ, Aminzadeh-Gohari S, Feichtinger RG, Mayr JA, Lang R, Neureiter D, et al. Inhibition of Neuroblastoma Tumor Growth by Ketogenic Diet and/or Calorie Restriction in a CD1-Nu Mouse Model. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(6):e0129802.

8. Shaafi S, Mahmoudi J, Pashapour A, Farhoudi M, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Akbari H. Ketogenic Diet Provides Neuroprotective Effects against Ischemic Stroke Neuronal Damages. Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin. 2014;4(Suppl 2):479-81.

9. Gano LB, Patel M, Rho JM. Ketogenic diets, mitochondria, and neurological diseases. Journal of lipid research. 2014;55(11):2211-28.

10. Włodarek D. Role of Ketogenic Diets in Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease). . Nutrients. 2019;11(169).

11. Agarwal N, Arkilo D, Farooq O, Gillogly C, Kavak KS, Weinstock A. Ketogenic diet: Predictors of seizure control. SAGE open medicine. 2017;5:2050312117712887-.

12. Maalouf M, Rho JM, Mattson MP. The neuroprotective properties of calorie restriction, the ketogenic diet, and ketone bodies. Brain research reviews. 2009;59(2):293-315.

13. Wang B-H, Hou Q, Lu Y-Q, Jia M-M, Qiu T, Wang X-H, et al. Ketogenic diet attenuates neuronal injury via autophagy and mitochondrial pathways in pentylenetetrazol-kindled seizures. Brain Research. 2018;1678:106-15.

14. Veech RL, Bradshaw PC, Clarke K, Curtis W, Pawlosky R, King MT. Ketone bodies mimic the life span extending properties of caloric restriction. 2017;69(5):305-14.

Quality stainless steel Eco Gravity Water Filter Stand

Heavy Metal & Microplastics Detoxification consultations, combine scientifically supported intermittent fasting with chelation therapy & liver herbs to support phase 1 & 2 detoxification pathways.

Practitioner

Places you on a short term Therapeutic Fast (CR). Toxins are called persistent organic pollutants (POP) and are detected in high concentrations in blood samples of the general population.

(1)POPs are also called Persistent Toxic Substances (PTS).(2) In the liver, Phase I & II detoxification pathways transform fat soluble toxins into water-soluble for excretion in the urine, bile and sweat. Vitamins, minerals & herbal medicines support this process. Therapeutic Fasting increases phase II conjugation detoxification in the liver. (3)

Applies mitigation and remediation strategies to limit the amount of ingested chemicals in air, water and food.
Prescribes herbs containing plant metallothioneins (MTs)  (4, 5) and phytochelatins (PCs)  (6)  to chelate heavy metals.
Prescribes herbal medicines to inhibit Phase 1 & induce II detoxification to eliminate plastic toxins BPA/Phthalates and dioxins/furans along with other POP toxins.

Increases elimination of POP toxins via the other eliminatory organs, bowel, skin, lungs & kidneys using herbal alteratives, depuratives, circulatory stimulants, cholagogues and diuretics.

Weans you back into a diet for life consisting of foods rich in the active constituent compounds and vitamins, nutrients & antioxidants required for detoxification pathways.  (7)

Heavy Metals & Microplastics Detox series of  consultations, what to  expect?

The initial consultation will place you on a Therapeutic Fast to restrict intake of toxins whilst supporting Phase I & II detoxification processes. Herbal & nutritional chelation agents are prescribed to chelate heavy metals and remove POPs toxins including plastics.

The second consultation will ensure firstly, that you have achieved a state of Therapeutic Fasting and secondly to address any issues you have surrounding the dietary recommendations.

The third consultation will assist you in moving from the Therapeutic Fast to a suitable long-term diet to support detoxification processes to promote health and longevity.

Why excess toxins damage health

If not adequately supported or in the case of excessive POPs, Phase I is induced (sped up) producing high levels of damaging free radicals. If these reactive molecules are not metabolised by Phase II conjugation damage to proteins, RNA, & DNA occurs causing genetic mutation. Disruption of Phase I can damage proteins, RNA, and DNA within the cell and is seen as an important factor in the pathogenesis of cancer. The treatment principle in plastic detoxification is to inhibit Phase I P450 (modification) and to induce Phase II detoxification (conjugation).

Heavy metals

Heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and mercury are common air pollutants resulting from various industrial activities.Heavy metal pollution is one of the major concerns of the century with sources being both anthropogenic (human-made) and naturogenic (from nature) with the health effects well documented.  (8)  The main threats to human health from heavy metals are associated with exposure to lead, cadmium, mercury and arsenic. These metals have been extensively studied and their effects on human health regularly reviewed by international bodies such as the WHO.  (9)  Almost all heavy metals are serious toxicants as carcinogens. (10)  There are different sources for heavy metals in the environment. These sources can be both of natural or anthropogenic origin (chiefly of environmental pollution and pollutants).

Plastics

Tap Water

8 million tons of plastic enters the oceans each year. Microplastics are ubiquitous in marine waters, from deep ocean sediments to polar icecaps. (11) Billions of people are drinking water contaminated by plastic particles with 83% of samples found to be polluted. The average number of fibres found in each 500ml of tap water sample ranging from 4.8 in the US to 1.9 in Europe.  (12, 13)  In Germany plastic fibres & fragments were found in all 24 beer brands tested, as well as honey & sugar. This study concluded average person ingests 5,800 particles of plastic per year from beer, salt & tap water, with largest contribution coming from tap water (88%).  (12)  An Irish study (June 2017) found microplastic contamination in a handful of tap water & well samples.  (14)

Bottled Water

The Orb study tested 259 bottled water brands from 19 locations in 9 countries across 11 different brands were found to contain on average 325 plastic pieces for every litre of water.  (15)  Plastic fibres in bottled water brands are twice as high as those found in tap water.PETE (recycling code 1) does not contain bisphenol A (BPA)/Phthalates but studies find antimony (toxic phthalate 'plasticiser' used to make plastics flexible), leaches from PET bottles placed in heat for prolonged periods.  (16)

9 different plastics found in all human stools tested posing a threat to Public Health.  (17-19)

Most plastic products release oestrogenic otherwise known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) which have a variety of negative health effects. (20)  EDCS include organochlorine pesticides, poly-chlorinated biphenyls, BPA, phthalates, dioxins & furans.  (21)

EDC diseases & disorders

EDC diseases & disorders include female & male infertility, (22) low sperm count, genital malformations, intersex variation IV, sharp increase in gender dysphoria, transgender & gender neutral (LGBTQI existed pre-industrial revolution), precocious puberty in young girls (risk factor for breast cancer), adverse pregnancy outcomes such as premature birth/low birth weight.

Neurobehavioral disorders include cognitive, motor & sensory deficits, neurological impairments (NIs) including neuropathies, neurodevelopmental disorders) autism & attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease & amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Exposure associated with persistent organic pollutants (POPs), plastic exudates BPA & phthalate.  (23)

Other health effects include hormone dependent tumours including breast, endometrial, ovarian, prostate, testicular and thyroid, metabolic disorders including Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), Metabolic syndrome (evidence shows EDCs may contribute to the obesity pandemic evolution & metabolic disorders including Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)  (24)  and atopic disorders such as. allergies, asthma & atopic dermatitis.  (25)

Detoxification is not Quackery it is called Biotransformation

Research into human biotransformation and elimination systems continues to evolve. In medical terms promotion of toxicity is called bioaccumulation and detoxification is called Biotransformation.Bioaccumulation is a term used to describe the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) (1) also known as persistent toxic substances (PTSs)  (2)  which are detected at high levels in blood and urine samples taken for the National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted annually in US by CDC. POPs include Serum dioxins, furans & PCB and urinary phthalates and BPA. (26)

Heavy Metal Biotransformation

Heavy metal bioaccumulation inhibits Phase I cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme system.  (27, 28)  Disruption of CYP can damage proteins, RNA, and DNA within the cell and is seen as an important factor in the pathogenesis of cancer. Arsenic for example is methylated.  (29)  The treatment principle in heavy metal bioaccumulation is use herbal extracts shown modulate P 450 in combination with plant metallothioneins (MTs) and phytochelatins (PCs) to chelate heavy metals. Certain herbs have the ability to both induce and inhibit Phase I cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme systems.

Plastic Biotransformation

Ingested plastics

BPA & phthalates are ingested plastic toxins.

Bisphenol A

Accumulation of BPA induces cytochrome P450 enzyme activities. (30)

In humans, ingested BPA is not extensively metabolised by cytochrome P 450 specifically CYP2C. (31)

BPA is also metabolite of glutathione conjugation. (32)

BPA is rapidly metabolised with glucuronidation conjugation. (33, 34)  Minor amounts of BPA are conjugated with sulphate and also, glutathione. (32)

Transferases including sulfotransferases, glutathione-S-transferases (GSTs) are also involved in BPA conjugation. (35)

A fraction of absorbed BPA may distribute to body storage site(s) such as adipose tissue, followed by a slow, low-level release of BPA into the bloodstream. (36)

Phthalates

Phthalates undergo a series of phase I hydrolysis and phase II conjugation reactions and are subsequently excreted in faeces and urine (37)

Phthalates induce (cause overactivity) of cytochrome P450  (38) specifically CYP4 Enzymes. (7)

Phthalates are a metabolite of glucuronidation, (39, 40) glycine & sulphation conjugation. (40, 41)

Inhaled plastics

Dioxins, furans & dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are abbreviated names for a family of chemicals with similar toxicity & shared chemical characteristics. Dioxins & furans are inhaled & produced when plastic is burned. Dioxins & furans are also known as Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), the contaminant in Agent Orange (herbicide used in the Vietnam war).

People vary in capacity to eliminate TCDD. The elimination rate is much faster at higher than lower levels. (42) TCDD induces a number of cytochrome P450 enzymes systems. (43)

Accumulation of POPs, dioxins (43, 44) & furans induce cytochrome P450 enzyme systems. (45)
Dioxins, furans & PCBs are metabolites of either glucuronidation or sulphate conjugation, mainly in the liver & then excreted in the bile or urine. (46)
Dioxins undergo glutathione (47) sulfation, (48) glucuronidation (49) and Glycine conjugation phase II reactions. (50)

Naturopathic Approaches to a Heavy Metal & Plastic Detoxification

• Limit exposure
• Place client on a limited therapeutic fast then detoxification diet
• Support Phase 1 & II detoxification pathways using evidence based pharmacognosy (plant therapy), specifically inhibit Phase 1 P 450 and induce (speed up) Phase II reactions.
• Apply chelation therapy using plant metallothioneins and phytochelatins found in herbs and foods.
• Support eliminatory organ function.
• Limit exposure
• Avoid drinking out of plastic bottles.
• Purchase the Carahealth Eco Water Filter

Filters microplastics to 0.7 microns.
Environmentally friendly solution.
Address microplastic contamination
Achieve chemical free drinking water.
Place client on a limited therapeutic fast then a detoxification diet

Fasting is Calorie Restriction (CR)

The benefits of CR are scientific fact. A therapeutic fast simulates the Calorie Restrictive Diet that scientists have touted for the main reason behind Okinawan longevity.Like CR, fasting also activates telomerase the anti-ageing enzyme. Fasting, like CR, improves how cells respond to stress, how they break down (autophagy), induces apoptosis (programmed cell death ie in cancer cells),(51)and alters hormonal balance. Autophagy in particular, is quality control inside cells. It is essential to maintain cellular homeostasis and to improve how the cell responds to stress. Autophagic activity declines with age, therefore fasting is anti-ageing. CR is neuroprotective (protects brain cells). (52) In relation to heavy metal accumulation, CR/fasting enhances Phase II Detoxification specifically increasing glucuronidation and Glycine conjugation, thus will assist in the elimination of heavy metals. (3)

Research shows dietary phytochemicals (chemicals in food) act as direct antioxidants to scavenge reactive oxygen species (free radicals). Dietary phytochemicals also regulate transcription factor Nrf2 [nuclear factor erythroid 2 (NF-E2). Nrf2 regulates the body's detoxification and antioxidant systems associated with phase II detoxification and antioxidant enzymes. (7) Metallothionein is a cysteine-rich protein that binds toxic metals such as mercury, cadmium, lead and arsenic.(4)Certain dietary patterns and nutrients increase metallothionein production. (7)

Apply Pharmacognosy to support Phase 1 & II detoxification pathways & apply chelation therapy using plant Metallothionein & phytochelatins

Why use Carahealth herbs?

Carahealth tonics are 1:1 strength organic or wildcrafted extracts, meaning 1 part herb to one part alcohol. There is no point using non organic herbs to assist detoxification.All scientific studies in pharmacognosy use herbal medicine extracts, not weaker tinctures.

The plan alternates 2 herbal detoxification tonics Carahealth Heavy Metal Detox and Carahealth Liver /Plastic Detox.

Objectives in Heavy Metal Detoxification

Apply Chelation therapy using plant metallothioneins and phytochelatins found in herbs
Induce Nrf2 activity to increase phase II detoxification and support endogenous (made in our body) antioxidant enzymes.

Carahealth Heavy Metal Detox (Carina’s 11 significant tonic decoction)

The first 10 herbs are the traditional Chinese herbal formula Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (10 significant tonic decoction), the 11th herb is alfalfa.

• Sheng Di huang Rehmannia glutinosa
• Bai Shao Paeonia lactiflora
• Chuan Xiong Liqusticum wallichii
• Dang Gui Angelica sinensis
• Gan Cao Glycyrrhiza uralensis
• Gin Seng Panax ginseng
• Huang Qi Astragalus membranaceus
• Gui Zhi Cinnamomum cassia
• Fu Ling Poria cocos
• Bai Zhu Atractylodes macrocephala
• Alfalfa Medicago sativa

Pharmacognosy

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is traditionally used to tonify the Blood and Qi to treat anaemia, anorexia, extreme exhaustion, fatigue, kidney and spleen insufficiency and general weakness, particularly after illness and after chemotherapy. It has been found to potentiate (make it work better) chemotherapy and radiotherapy and inhibit malignant recurrences, prolong survival and prevent and ameliorate adverse toxicities in cancer treatment. (53) In Japanese herbal medicine (Kampo) the formula is known Juzen Taiho To and has been shown to increase expression of metallothioneins (MTs). (54) Shi Quan Da Bu Tang also increases transcription factor Nrf2 to support phase II detoxification thus regulate the body's detoxification and antioxidant system. (55) Alfalfa Medicago sativa contains heavy metal chelating plant metallothioneins. (5)

Objectives in Plastic Detoxification

Inhibit (slow down) Phase I P450 modification
Induce (speed up) Phase II Conjugation

Carahealth Liver Detox Tonic

• Andrographis Andrographis paniculata
• Milk thistle Silybum marianum
• Bupleurum Bupleurum falcatum
• Globe artichoke Cynara scolymus
• Barberry Berberis vulgaris
• Turmeric Curcuma longa

Pharmacognosy

Inhibit Phase I P450

Andrographis Andrographis paniculata Chuan Xin Lian /King of the bitters

Andrographis contains diterpenolactones which inhibits Phase I P450. (56)

Milk thistle Silybum marianum

Milk thistle significantly inhibits Phase I P 450. (57) The flavonolignans including silymarin(58)restore depleted glutathione (GSH) to assist glutathione conjugation. (59)

Bupleurum Bupleurum falcatum Chai Hu

Bupleurum contains saikosaponins which inhibit Phase I P450 enzymes (CYP1A2, CYP2C9 & CYP3A4) and flavonoids & steroids including, among others, rutin and quercetin which also inhibit Phase I P450 (CYP3A4). (56, 60)

Inhibit Phase I P450 & induce Phase II

Globe artichoke Cynara scolymus Yang Ji

Globe artichoke contains the flavonoid luteolin which inhibits Phase I P 450 (CYP 3A4 & CYP3A5)(61) and also the hydroxycinnamic acid, cynarin which stimulates glucuronidation conjugation. Artichoke has potent antioxidant activity & reduces toxin-induced reduction of glutathione reserves. (62)

Barberry Berberis vulgaris Fu Niu

Barberry contains the benzylisoquinoline alkaloid berberine which inhibits Phase I P 450. (63)Berberine, specifically increases endogenous antioxidants, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) & superoxide dismutase (SOD), both copper-zinc SOD (CuZn-SOD) & manganese SOD (Mn-SOD) to assist glutathione conjugation. (64)

Turmeric Curcuma longa Jiang Huang

Turmeric contains the diarylheptanoid curcumin which inhibits Phase I P 450 while inducing Phase II. (65, 66) Curcumin restores depleted GSH to assist glutathione conjugation. (67)

Curcumin also induces Nrf2 to increase antioxidant expression thereby protect against oxidative damage triggered by injury & inflammation. (68) Phase-II enzymes are regulated by Nrf2 which is involved in detoxification of AFB1.Aflatoxins B1 are genotoxic & carcinogenic compounds. Phase I P 450 enzymes are responsible for AFB1 bioactivation. Curcumin prevents AFB1-induced liver injury by modulating Phase I & Phase II enzymes. (69)

For further details contact Carina Harkin  BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom.BHSc.Acu. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Healthy Aging & Longevity series of consultations, involves a polyphenol rich ketosis diet. A ketosis diet is in itself anti aging. A healthy weight is paramount to healthy aging. If weight is an issue then weight must be addressed and will be with this plan. If weight is not an issue, a ketosis diet does not have to be a weight loss diet and can be adapted

Practitioner

Healthy Aging & Longevity consultations, what to expect?

The initial consultation will ascertain what you eat and make recommendations for a ketosis diet that suits you. This will flatline insulin levels and also aim to maximising polyphenol antioxidant intake.

The second consultation will ensure firstly, that you have achieved a state of ketosis and secondly to address any issues you have surrounding the dietary recommendations and to add more recipes.

The third consultation will assist you in moving from phase 1 (short-term) into phase 2 (long-term) of the diet. Phase 2 is the keto diet for health and longevity, mimics fasting and is life extending.

Healthy Aging Effects of a Keto Diet
Lowers cholesterol: Lowers LDL & triglyceride levels and raises HDL (good cholesterol).(1)

Induce Rapid Weight Loss: Reduces body weight and body mass index.(1)

Lowers Blood Sugar: Studies show a ketosis diet can eliminate type 2 diabetes.(2, 3)

Enhances physical and cognitive performance: Ketone bodies are the most energy-efficient fuel and yield more ATP.(4)

Suppresses Appetite: High fats diets increase satiety.(5)

Starve Cancer Cells: Cancer cells need glucose for fuel. Only healthy cells can live on ketones. Studies indicate a ketosis diet is an adjunct therapeutic aid in cancer.(6, 7)

Treats neurodegenerative disease: Ketosis is neuroprotective and neuroregenerative(8) & therapeutic treatment in traumatic head injury, neurological disease (9)including Parkinson’s, Alzheimer's(10)& epilepsy,(11)

Extends Life: The benefits of Calorie restriction/Keto diet are scientific fact. A Ketosis diet simulates the Calorie Restrictive Diet(12)that scientists have touted for the main reason behind Okinawan longevity.Like CR, Ketosis also activates telomerase the anti-aging enzyme. Calorie restriction increases telomerase activity and enhances autophagy (breakdown of dead cells).(13)CR improves how cells respond to stress, how they break down (autophagy), induces apoptosis (programmed cell death ie in cancer cells), and alters hormonal balance. Autophagy in particular, is quality control inside cells. It is essential for the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and for the orchestration of an efficient cellular response to stress. Autophagic activity declines with age, and this contributes to the aging process.(14)

People who may benefit from the Vitality, Longevity and Healthy Aging plan include those who want to:

• Slow & reverse the effects of aging.
• Age healthily
• Manage your weight more effectively
• Increase muscle tone and fitness
• Increase your energy, stamina & strength
• Support the nutrition and health of your body
• Decrease incidence of age-related disease
• Look healthier & improve your quality of life

Specifically the Life Extension plan;

• Increases expression of the Sir 2 gene, causing an increase in Telomerase, an enzyme allowing dividing cells to replace lost DNA, thus allowing unbounded division (ie. ageless cell)
• Increases Telomerase activity
• Lowers Homocysteine, a naturally occurring protein of which, at high levels, is associated with age related disease
• Maximises dietary polyphenol antioxidants to prevent free radical damage
• Improves insulin resistance
• Improves mitochondrial function
• Strengthens connective tissue
• Increases digestion, absorption, assimilation & elimination
• Improves cognitive function
• Tonifies the adrenal glands to increase DHEA (a precursor hormone) levels to youthful levels
• Tonifies the Vital Force
• Replaces nutritional deficiencies
• Flatlines insulin levels
• To reduce cancer risks, the plan addresses the following causes of cancer;

The pathogenesis of cancer is as follows;

• Overexpression of Tyrosine Kinase Receptor and resultant deficiency in apoptosis (15)
• Overexpression of Cox (16)
• Over expression IL6 (17)
• Overexpression of TNF alpha (18)
• Increases in ILGF (19)

Hundreds of bioactive compounds have been identified as potential modifiers of cancer, several of which are active ingredients in herbs (20)

• Inhibits the inflammatory mediator Cox(21, 22)
• Inhibits RTK, the enzyme responsible for tumour formation (20, 23)
• Lower inflammatory mediators IL6 (24, 25)
• Lowers insulin like growth factor (ILGF) (26, 27)
• Inhibit inflammatory mediator TNF alpha (28, 29)
• Induces Apoptosis programmed cell death (30)
• Lowers C reactive protein (CRP) (22)
• Inhibits betaglucuronidase (31) & aromatase, (32) enzymes associated with hormone dependent cancers.
• Is phytoestrogen rich. Phytoestrogen consumption is associated with a significant reduction in breast, prostate and other cancer risk. (33-35)

You will receive an e-prescription including dietary, lifestyle, supplement and herbal medicine advice.

When a herb is described as anti-aging they have anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-fatigue and anti-inflammatory effects. Anti-aging herbs tonify the nervous system and endocrine system. Anti-aging herbs tonify the cardiovascular system by lowering cholesterol, widening coronary arteries and boosting blood flow to the heart. Anti-aging herbs protect the liver, tone up the main internal organs, settle nerves, improve eyesight and reduce blood sugar levels to prevent diabetes. Rich in antioxidants anti-aging herbs boost the immune system, slow down the process of cellular aging. Anti-aging herbs nourishe vitality, reduces excess heat, detoxify the body, calm the mind and improve mental agility. 

Your practitioner

Carina Harkin BHSc.Acu.BHSc.Nat.BHSc.Hom. Cert IV TAE.
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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2.Westman EC, Tondt J, Maguire E, Yancy WS, Jr. Implementing a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet to manage type 2 diabetes mellitus. Expert review of endocrinology & metabolism. 2018;13(5):263-72.

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4.Murray AJ, Knight NS, Cole MA, Cochlin LE, Carter E, Tchabanenko K, et al. Novel ketone diet enhances physical and cognitive performance. FASEB journal : official publication of the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology. 2016;30(12):4021-32.

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6.Klement RJ. Beneficial effects of ketogenic diets for cancer patients: a realist review with focus on evidence and confirmation. Medical oncology (Northwood, London, England). 2017;34(8):132.

7.Morscher RJ, Aminzadeh-Gohari S, Feichtinger RG, Mayr JA, Lang R, Neureiter D, et al. Inhibition of Neuroblastoma Tumor Growth by Ketogenic Diet and/or Calorie Restriction in a CD1-Nu Mouse Model. PLOS ONE. 2015;10(6):e0129802.

8.Shaafi S, Mahmoudi J, Pashapour A, Farhoudi M, Sadigh-Eteghad S, Akbari H. Ketogenic Diet Provides Neuroprotective Effects against Ischemic Stroke Neuronal Damages. Advanced pharmaceutical bulletin. 2014;4(Suppl 2):479-81.

9.Gano LB, Patel M, Rho JM. Ketogenic diets, mitochondria, and neurological diseases. Journal of lipid research. 2014;55(11):2211-28.

10.Włodarek D. Role of Ketogenic Diets in Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease). . Nutrients. 2019;11(169).

11.Agarwal N, Arkilo D, Farooq O, Gillogly C, Kavak KS, Weinstock A. Ketogenic diet: Predictors of seizure control. SAGE open medicine. 2017;5:2050312117712887-.

12.Maalouf M, Rho JM, Mattson MP. The neuroprotective properties of calorie restriction, the ketogenic diet, and ketone bodies. Brain research reviews. 2009;59(2):293-315.

13.Wang B-H, Hou Q, Lu Y-Q, Jia M-M, Qiu T, Wang X-H, et al. Ketogenic diet attenuates neuronal injury via autophagy and mitochondrial pathways in pentylenetetrazol-kindled seizures. Brain Research. 2018;1678:106-15.

14.Veech RL, Bradshaw PC, Clarke K, Curtis W, Pawlosky R, King MT. Ketone bodies mimic the life span extending properties of caloric restriction. 2017;69(5):305-14.

15.Paul MK, Mukhopadhyay AK. Tyrosine kinase - Role and significance in Cancer. International journal of medical sciences. 2004;1(2):101-15.

16.Mazhar D, Gillmore R, Waxman J. COX and cancer. QJM: An International Journal of Medicine. 2005;98(10):711-8.

17.Kumari N, Dwarakanath BS, Das A, Bhatt AN. Role of interleukin-6 in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. Tumour biology : the journal of the International Society for Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine. 2016;37(9):11553-72.

18.Wang X, Lin Y. Tumor necrosis factor and cancer, buddies or foes? Acta pharmacologica Sinica. 2008;29(11):1275-88.

19.Kaaks R. Nutrition, insulin, IGF-1 metabolism and cancer risk: a summary of epidemiological evidence. Novartis Foundation symposium. 2004;262:247-60; discussion 60-68.

20.Kaefer CM, Milner JA. The role of herbs and spices in cancer prevention. The Journal of nutritional biochemistry. 2008;19(6):347-61.

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to be a diet for life. If you don't need to lose weight you simply add keto snacks.

Ingredients

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) Jiang Huang 姜黄: Curcumin

Nettle (Urtica dioica) Xun Ma 荨麻: Quercetin

Bitter Orange (Citrus aurantium) Zhi Shi 枳实: Naringenin

Baical Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Huang Qin 黄芩: Baicalin

White Peony (Paeonia lactiflora) Bai Shao白芍: Paeoniflorin

Coptis Root (Coptis chinensis) Huang Lian 黄芩: Oxyberberine

Japanese Knotweed (Fallopia japonica) Hu Zhang 虎杖:Resveratrol

Liquorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Gan Cao 甘草: Glycyrrhizin

Quantity

200ml. 1:1 cold percolation extracts or 1:2 cold percolation tinctures only. Herbs are organic or wildcrafted where possible. This product is at least 3 x stronger than over the counter products.

Warning
The information presented in this article is not aimed to deter anyone from seeking professional medical advice. The product mentioned in this article has not been shown in any instance to mitigate, prevent, treat, diagnose, or cure disease according to the western medical paradigm. These herbal tonics have traditional indications and have been prescribed by herbalists for thousands of years.

If you have been diagnosed with a medical condition, taking medication, pregnant or breastfeeding, or want a tonic for your child, book a consultation with a level 8 science degree qualified herbalist such as myself, trained in drug/nutrient, drug/herb interactions This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Worldwide shipping available! For accurate shipping rates outside Ireland contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with contact name, phone number, full address and number of bottles. Bulk purchases are advised as courier costs for 3 bottles are the same as for 6 bottles. Orders can be mixed and matched. As a guide, I say for every year you have had a condition a month of treatment is required.

Herbal bottles last approximately 3 weeks. Dose is generally 5 ml 2 x a day in a little water before meals.

Avoid in cases of allergy to ingredients.
Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
Food supplements should not replace a balanced diet.
Keep out of the reach of children.
If symptoms persist see your GP.