All About Nutrition

Nutrition Questions

Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Lesa Rusher, who is our resident naturopathic expert and who is available to answer questions about nutrition and health.

Lesa Rusher is a qualified naturopath with a thriving business in Canberra, Australia and has a wealth of experience treating clients on a variety of health issues. Lesa Rusher's full credentials can be found in our experts area.

Lesa Rusher will answer your nutrition-related questions.

Q: I am interested in supplementing with amino acids, specifically for inflammation, candida, obesity, tiredness and immune system support. Do I buy these individually or is it best to take a pre-mixed formula?

I have the intuition that my health is deteriorating in age related ways due to lack of enzymes and amino acids and therefore it is these that I am researching now.

I have undertaken an internal cleansing regimen (removal of mercury and heavy metals) over the last 3 months so I feel that my body is now ready for the next step. Can you please help me?

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A: There are 9 amino acids which are considered essential for human health, while the rest are non-essential (meaning that the body can create them from the essential ones or through other means). Sometimes the non-essential amino acids can become conditionally-essential (meaning that at certain times of stress, they can be come essential) and they must be found in appropriate amounts in the diet.

Candida is an overgrowth of the fungi that is usually present in the body (candida albicans) and can present with a number of symptoms, including tiredness and immune suppression.

Inflammation is the body's natural way to respond to injury and illness (for example, the skin can become inflamed when it is accidentally cut, which allows blood clotting to stop the bleeding and thus helps with healing).

Inflammation can also occur when the diet is too high in certain foods or when there is too much stress, both of which can cause inflammation (heat and swelling) in the tissues. If this inflammation is ongoing, it can damage the tissues and organs in the body and cause ill health.

In order to find out and heal your symptoms, you need to see a qualified herbalist who can examine you, take note of all your symptoms and then prepare a herbal mixture that contains all the herbs required to help your body heal, plus provide some other nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, if they are also warranted in your situation.

Simply supplementing with amino acids (in a formula containing all the 9 essential amino acids) is not enough.

Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.

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