Lignans – The New Phytonutrient
The following is an article written by Jill Thomas and was orginally published in Nature & Health Magazine.
Studies have confirmed that lignans and lignan-rich foods may have the capacity to:
*beneficially modify oestrogen and testosterone
*reduce hot flushes, sleep disturbances and other menopausal symptoms
*prevent heart disease
*benefit the immune system
*lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancers
*reduce constipation
*benefit bone health
*modify hormone-dependant acne
I remember many years ago in my early naturopathic student days, one of my first ever patients, treated at the college’s student clinic, presented with the classic signs of peptic ulcer-experiencing a burning, gnawing pain in the stomach, commencing shortly after eating. Relieved to have made such a quick diagnosis, I immediately recommended that this poor patient drink a strong cup of Chamomile tea daily and roll around the floor immediately afterwards..needless to say, this patient did not return for a follow-up consultation! 
1. Drink at least 2 litres of water each day; remember simple dehydration is a frequent cause of fatigue. It takes water to transport nutrients, to chew and digest food, to create blood, to move muscles, to breathe, to think!
Biodynamic brown rice is a nutritionalist’s dream. Brown rice is a wholesome food which can meet our protein requirements quite adequately when combined in a variety of interesting and delicious ways. It has far more protein, calcium, B vitamins and iron than its pale, insipid, white counterpart, and also has the added benefit of containing vitamin E, found in the rice germ of whole brown rice, which is absent in white rice. 
There is much convincing observational and well substantiated clinical evidence that food additives, flavourings and colours can lead to hyperactivity. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo- controlled trial reported in Lancet 2007 has provided further proof of this undesirable relationship. In summary, the study found a strong case that food additives exacerbate hyperactive behaviours – inattention, impulsivity, and over excitability – in childhood. The study showed that adverse behaviours from additives was not restricted to children with ADHD, but could also be seen in the general population. 
Helicobacter pylori infection, is a common cause of peptic ulcer and indeed gastritis. It is also a risk factor for gastric malignancies. Antibiotics are normally prescribed to eradicate H.pylori infection, and are effective in about 90% of cases. Unfortunately antibiotics do cause side-effects such as nausea, thrush, abdominal discomfort and antibiotic resistance. 
The plant kingdom is truly an ally and generous and giving friend. A recent report by the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) – noted in last month’s newsletter in relation to its findings of the link between processed meats and colorectal cancer – recommends eating mostly plant-derived foods.