nutrition – Page 2 – Natural Health & Nutrition

Episode 9: Histamine intolerance

Podcast November 21, 2020November 13, 2023allergies, antihistamine, diarrhoea, diet, dogs, gut health, histamine, histamine intolerance, hormones, mood, Narelle Cooke, nutrition, people, rash, skin, vomiting

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Histamine is a chemical compound that’s naturally found in the cells of our bodies. Histamine plays an important role in our immune response, it supports digestion and gut health, and can even influence our moods via its role as a neurotransmitter. But when histamine levels get too high or when it isn’t broken down properly, it can affect our normal bodily functions, leading to a vast array of different symptoms.

In this episode I discuss the ins-and-outs of histamine as it relates to both people and dogs – what it is, what triggers it to be released in the body, dietary sources, and treatment approaches you can take if you suspect that you or your dog has is experiencing any degree of histamine intolerance.

Episode 8: Digestive enzymes

Podcast November 3, 2020November 13, 2023canine nutrition, digestive disorders, digestive enzymes, dog health, Food, health, Narelle Cooke, nutrition, podcast, supplements

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 43:59 — 40.7MB)

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Most people will have heard the saying – “you are what you eat” but in reality, you are what you absorb! Research suggests that at least 50% of Australian and US adults experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, gas, diarrhoea and constipation. Unfortunately, our dogs are following in our footsteps, with digestive issues being the most common canine health problem that vets see.

In this episode I discuss the ins-and-outs of digestive enzymes for both people and pets – what are they, the different types, causes of enzyme deficiency, how to know if you need one, food and supplemental sources, along with applications for both people and dogs. But digestive enzymes may not be for everyone, so I also highlight who shouldn’t take them.

Episode 7: To fast or not to fast?

Podcast October 14, 2020November 13, 2023calorie restriction, diet, dogs, Fasting, health, Intermittent fasting, Narelle Cooke, nutrition, weight loss

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 37:40 — 34.9MB)

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Fasting dates back centuries and has played a central role in many different cultures and religions. Science has now revealed the many benefits of fasting – including improved weight loss and insulin sensitivity, reduced levels of inflammation and risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease, improved cellular health and mental clarity, a reduced risk of neurodegenerative disorders, all the way through to slower ageing and increased longevity (just to name a few!). But did you know that the practice of fasting can also be highly beneficial for dogs?

In this episode I discuss the many benefits of fasting for both people and pets and outline simple strategies that you can use to get started. But fasting isn’t for everyone, so I also highlight who shouldn’t fast and when fasting your dog may not be a good idea.

Episode 5: Complete and Balanced

Podcast September 13, 2020November 13, 2023AAFCO, complete and balanced, dog health, dog nutrition, labels, Narelle Cooke, nutrient deficiencies, nutrient toxicities, nutrition, podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:39 — 30.3MB)

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We regularly hear the term ‘complete and balanced’ when it comes to dog nutrition, but what does ‘complete and balanced’ mean and can we trust that it’s providing our dogs with optimal health?

In this episode we explore what ‘complete and balanced’ really means, the methods companies can use to get that claim on their product label, and how feeding a food labelled as ‘complete and balanced’ is not a failsafe to keeping our dogs healthy long term.

Episode 4: Rice for dogs with diarrhoea – helpful or harmful?

Podcast September 1, 2020November 13, 2023chicken, diarrhoea, dogs, health, nutrition, pumpkin, rice, slippery elm, turkey

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 38:31 — 35.7MB)

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We’ve all grown up hearing that we should give our dogs chicken and rice during bouts of diarrhoea, but why?

In this episode we explore the use of rice for diarrhoea – how it came about, why it works, is it helpful or harmful, and are there better alternatives?

Episode 3: Improve your immunity

Podcast August 21, 2020December 2, 2023diet, health, immunity, minerals, Narelle Cooke, naturopath, nutrient deficiencies, nutrition, nutritionist, podcast, sleep, stress, sugar, supplements

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:35 — 30.2MB)

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During the current pandemic, it’s more important than ever that we all do what we can to look after our immune systems. While there’s no magic pill to protect us from the many pathogens that our bodies are exposed to day-in-and-day-out, a healthy lifestyle as a whole is definitely our best bet.

In this episode I outline some very simple dietary and lifestyle factors that you can adopt straightway in order to boost your immune system and support overall health and wellbeing.