This product is one of the cutest I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing. The Aqua Farm Fish Tank is such a cool concept; it is a closed-loop sustainable Aquaponics system that uses the waste of the fish to grow plants and clean its water. It's a fish tank that literally grows food!

The unit is a scaled-down table-top Aquaponics system. Aquaponics is an ancient sustainable method of farming developed by the Aztecs. It uses NINETY PERCENT less water than traditional farming methods and combines aquaculture (raising fish and other aquatic animals) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water).

The bottom of the compact unit is a three-gallon fish tank. Fish produce waste that contains ammonia, a substance that can be toxic for them at high levels. In this system, their waste is then pumped through an inner tube in the tank into a grow tray up above that contains plants.

The plant roots act as a biofilters where beneficial bacteria break down the harmful ammonia in the fish’s waste into nitrites and then finally nitrates which are absorbed as food by the plants. The remaining clean water is then circulated back into the fish tank so all you have to do is feed the fish … there is absolutely zero cleaning required! How convenient is that?

There really is no more sustainable way to grow your own greens at home. You can grow anything from parsley, coriander, mint, rocket, mixed greens, to wheat grass.

This is such a nifty gift to introduce some greenery into the home of someone who lives in an apartment or unit block. This adorable unit is perfect for any space in the kitchen, classroom or office.

It’s also great for kids. Not only are you giving them THAT pet they’ve been hounding you for, you’re also encouraging them to eat healthy, fresh produce, all whilst teaching them about sustainable food production methods.

This is a great fuss-free addition to any household.

To learn more about the AquaFarm and Fluid Growers, visit their website here.

illustration by Valero Doval

Feeling sluggish, experiencing weight gain, food just not sitting right? Burp!

You know that things have to change, but you’re just not quite sure where to start. There’s just so much information to navigate through and it’s all just too confusing … sound familiar?

That’s where the Heal Your Gut program comes in.

Registrations are Now OPEN for our brand new program starting on 7th September 2015.

Why not take an active step towards regaining control of your health and join this life-changing program today.  The program will help you to restore your inner health so that your digestive problems can be addressed without resorting to pharmaceuticals.

Research is emerging daily, demonstrating just how important having a healthy, thriving gut is to your overall health and wellbeing.

Our lower gastrointestinal tract is home to almost 100 trillion microorganisms, most of which are bacteria. They are mostly, "good" bacteria that help us digest food and release the energy and nutrients we need. But when the balance is out, studies show it can lead to problems in our immune systems and in our brains which can bring about digestive problems, weight gain, and a range of illnesses from autism and depression, to autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s, inflammatory bowel disease and Type 1 diabetes.

If you think of your gut as a garden, it can only thrive when the soil is healthy. Healthy soil requires healthy foods and nutrients that will allow the ‘good guys’ to flourish.

Sarah G says:

“I am in week three of the program and already my brain fog has lifted and my energy is returning. I feel like this is what I’ve been waiting for to finally heal my body and my mind. The information is presented beautifully and it is so easy to understand. Plus the recipes are delicious and I have lost 2 kilos already. It’s so good to be able to bounce out of bed in the morning and not be filled with anxiety that I can’t spend time with my kids because I am so tired and weak. Thank you!”

By following the treatment program supported by daily emails, videos and over one hundred delicious, anti-inflammatory nourishing recipes, you’ll be feeding your body with easy to make, all-natural, easily digestible foods, and helping it to function optimally.

Join me and my team of experts including integrative medical practitioners, nutritionists, naturopaths, kinesiologists, meditation and mindfulness experts and scientists, as you enjoy delicious recipes, learn a holistic approach to healing where you’ll be encouraged to look at all areas of your life and reconsider what being healthy actually means.

During the four weeks, I’ll teach you self-care, stress-relieving practices and ways to avoid an unhealthy gut. Plus you’ll be doing it together with a community of like-minded people.

Chellese says: “I have IBS and have suffered with anxieties and depression and low energy since I was 18. Getting my gut back to us natural flora has been great.  I have lost 18 kilos! I was 96kg when I started but did not do it to lose the weight but to feel healthy and sort out my health issues.  I am now 78kg and am still losing weight.  I have energy and my anxieties and depression are completely under control.  Anxieties are gone and depression is pretty much not a problem.” 

The program is realistic and simple for anyone to follow and is also suitable for vegetarians. Once you join, you’ll instantly become part of the Heal Your Gut community, and will be supported along the way by others who know exactly what you’re going through.

The Heal Your Gut Program would be of benefit to anyone, as you learn how to create and maintain a balanced, healthy lifestyle.

Click here to find more information about the program. 

Or watch my video here.

So what are you waiting for? The next program starts on 7th September 2015.

Join now as spaces are filling fast, and learn just how good your body can really feel!

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Don’t you just love a good infographic?

This one shows the mounting research that suggests the bacteria living in our gut can play a significant role in our overall health.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go beyond the infographic though?

That's exactly what happened to me when I donned my special research specs and did a "Sherlock Holmes" into some of the research currently out there in cyberspace.

I've looked into each area of the brain and body on the graphic to see how gut bacteria may exert an influence over almost every aspect of our health.

Did you know that it’s estimated that our bodies are composed of ten times more bacteria than human cells, with the gut being home to the largest number of bacteria in the body?

It seems that each day there’s a new study emerging showing just how crucial a role the bacteria living in our digestive tract has on influencing our overall health and wellbeing.

Several not only physical, but also psychological, conditions have been linked to an imbalance in our gut flora, with many of our diets comprising of processed, high-sugar and nutrient-poor foods, it’s not hard to see why.  

Anxiety & Depression

In 2014, the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health spent over $1 million on new research aimed at better understanding the gut bacteria-brain link. Recently, evidence has mounted from studies in mice that the gut micro biome can influence neural development, brain chemistry and a wide range of behaviors, including emotional behavior, pain perception and how the stress system responds.

Mice found to be lacking a certain bacteria in their gut were actually found to be more anxious and less animated, exhibiting depressive-like symptoms.

If you have been struggling with anxiety and depression, speaking with a licensed therapist (like those at BetterHelp) or a naturopathic doctor in Phoenix can also help you improve your mood levels.

Diet also plays an important part. Some foods make us feel calmer while other foods can act as stimulants. Tryptophan can have a positive effect on stress and depression because this amino acid helps your brain produce feel-good chemicals (such as the neurotransmitter Serotonin), making you feel calmer and improving mood levels.

Tryptophan-rich foods may also improve sleep, thereby promoting overall mental wellbeing. Some tryptophan-rich foods include: turkey, chicken, bananas, milk, oats, cheese, soy, nuts, peanut butter, and sesame seeds. Click here to get the recipe for my tryptophan-rich Garlic & Rosemary Chicken

Parkinson’s

Many neurologists now believe that Parkinson’s disease may start in the gut.

Specifically, untreated Helicobacter Pylori (a type of bacteria that, if left untreated, can live in the gut and cause a range of complications such as ulcers in the stomach lining) has been linked to later development of Parkinson’s disease, although conclusive evidence is lacking.

Helicobacter Pylori may also affect the absorption of Parkinson’s disease medications, and consequently affect the overall response to treatment.

There are also many gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation that occur as prominent features of Parkinson’s disease. Including foods high in dietary fibre, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is important in the overall treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

As medications for Parkinson’s often cause nausea, it may also be wise to incorporate foods known to reduce symptoms of nausea, such as ginger, tonic water and high protein snacks before bedtime. Try my high protein, Baked Salmon with Garlic and Ginger recipe. It’s high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which is great for brain health too.

Obesity

New evidence exists suggesting that gut bacteria alter the way we store fat, and how we respond to hormones that make us feel full or hungry. It appears that the wrong mix of microbes may set the stage for obesity and diabetes from birth.

Researchers are now investigating ways in which they may create baby formulas and/or supplements that will promote virtuous microbes while suppressing the harmful types.

When promoting healthy gut bacteria, it’s important to eat a clean diet that includes minimal amounts of processed foods, plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and fermented foods such as kim chi, tamari, tempeh, yoghurt and sauerkraut.

Drinking plenty of water and remaining hydrated is also important; as this helps the body flush out any toxins. Green Juices are an excellent way to detox while hydrating the body, and ensuring you are still getting plenty of nutrients. (more…)