Nightshade free pasta sauce

I have Italian heritage so was raised on wonderful tomato-based pasta sauces that my nonna used to make. Unfortunately, I also grew up with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. I was fortunate to discover, in my 20’s, that nightshades were a big contributing factor to the aches and pains that I suffered. In giving up nightshades I found that I could also give up my anti-inflammatory medication.

What are nightshades you ask? Tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant, and capsicum all belong to the nightshade family (Solanaceae). Why nightshades contribute to the aches and pains of arthritis is not clear as not everyone is sensitive to these foods. However, if you’ve tried everything else with little success there is no harm in giving up nightshades for a few months and seeing if you feel better. You can also try reading my article on 7 great tips for a pain-free arthritis this winter.  Giving up nightshades, however, posed a big question for me – what was I going to put on my pasta? Luckily I discovered this wonderful sauce in Aveline Kushi’s Complete guide to macrobiotic cooking for health harmony and peace. Not only is this sauce free of potentially inflammatory foods but it is filled with foods that are specifically anti-inflammatory. This is a delicious sauce to enjoy, even if nightshades are not an issue for you.

Ingredients … read more 

10 Great reasons to try acupuncture

If you need an excuse to have a treatment, other than it makes you feel fantastic, here are 10 Top to Toe terrific reasons to call your local practitioner and make an appointment today!

1. Breathe – Spring is here. Do you get hay fever, sinusitis or nasal congestion? Does your partner complain about your snoring? In controlled studies it has been shown that acupuncture is more effective than antihistamine drugs in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

2. Immunity – Do you get sick a lot? Sore throats, blocked ears, chesty coughs? Winter may be over but I’m still seeing plenty of colds in clinic. Clinical studies suggest that using acupuncture as both a preventive approach and a support for colds and flu can help reduce the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection and shorten the length of the illnesses.

3. Stress relief – Did you know that acupuncture can help reduce stress and lower your blood pressure? Try it and see!

4. Sleep – Do you have trouble sleeping? Studies show that acupuncture is effective in increasing sleep quality and therefore improving daytime functioning. Wouldn’t you like to have more energy to enjoy your day?

5. Depression and Anxiety – The effect of acupuncture on depression has been documented repeatedly in controlled studies. Chinese medicine works holistically, recognising the mind-body connection and treating the whole person to help lift your mood and keep you calm.

6. Keep reading … 

 

For further information on Chinese Medicine  contact  Tania Grasseschi (Acupuncture, Chinese Herbs and Wholefood counselling). Tania is a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine  (AHPRA  registered) in  Kingsford  and  is a Contract Academic  at the  Endeavour College of Natural Health  Sydney campus.