As far as I know, BCNH is the first nutritional therapy college to submit the Evidence File, demonstrating that we meet the fundamental criteria of stage 2 accreditation - the ‘NTC’s 17 Essential Requirements for Accreditation’. Although it has been a long, expensive and laborious process, at the end of the day it has given us a sense of achievement and it has been very worthwhile.
Whilst academically we had very little to do, the most challenging aspects for a relatively small college like BCNH were administrative issues. We have had to put in place various policies and procedures which, I agree, are essential to maintain high standards of professional education and are also crucial to running a business.
The second stage will be an on-site visit by the NTC VisitingPanel.This will entail the Panel observing lectures and clinics and holding discussions with the course team, students and the college management. They will scrutinise samples of key documentation at this stage and the Panel will meet with our team to discuss any issues raised during their visit. This will also be an opportunity for the Panel to explain the likely recommendations that they will be making to the Accreditation Committee, which will then decide whether or not we have passed the stage 2.
Further details are available from NTC Accreditation Handbook, published on the NTC website: –
There are several simple measures that we can do to boost our immunity:-
Avoid refined carbohydrates- refined carbohydrates such as white bread, polished rice, biscuits, cakes, pastries, etc. are ‘empty calories’; they are stripped of any nutrients and will utilise your own nutrient reserves for their own metabolism. They will effectively deplete your nutrient status, contributing to malnutrition, which will render you more vulnerable to infections.
Avoid sugars - excess sugar suppresses immunity and can reduce the white blood cells’ ability to kill pathogens such as viruses. The immune-suppressing effect of sugar may last up to five hours and it can start within 15 minutes of ingestion. Avoid obvious sources of sugar such as sweets, cakes, biscuits, chocolate, ice creams, etc.
Increase FRESH fruits, vegetables and salads to minimum 5 a day- see government recommendations above. Ensure a rainbow of colours; antioxidant nutrients such as phytochemicals (plant compounds, which have been found to have potent immune boosting properties, among other functions) are found in brightly coloured fruits and vegetables such as berries, dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, etc. Make sure that you buy foods in season and locally grown (farmers markets are ideal) to ensure freshness and minimal chemical exposure. If you can afford to buy organic, even better.
Increase fibre rich foods - fibre binds toxins and speeds up their elimination. Fibre also provides substrate for gut flora, which stimulate immunity through GALT (gut-associated lymphoid tissue) or mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, which protects the body from invasion by pathogens. Considering that 70% of the body's immune system is found in the digestive tract, it is important to pay attention to this area.
Ensure adequate protein intake - protein is digested to amino acids, which are components of all body tissues including immune system components. Good sources of protein are lean cuts of red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, low fat dairy products, tofu, nuts, beans, lentils and seeds.
Ensure daily intake of essential fatty acids (EFAs) - EFAs are polyunsaturated fats/oils required for all body functions. There are two types of EFAs - (omega) n3 and n6. They are called essential as we cannot synthesise them in the body and must obtain them from the diet on a daily basis. EFAs are involved in all body functions, including gene expression and immune system regulation. Good sources of EFAs are oily fish (sardines, mackerel, salmon, etc), nuts and seeds.
Avoid processed foods and fried foods - these foods contain chemicals that will compromise your immunity (‘trans’ & hydrogenated fats, colourings, flavourings, preservatives, etc.) rendering you more vulnerable to infections.
Avoid excessive alcohol - the government recommendation is max. 2 - 3 units of alcohol a day for women and 3 - 4 units for men, with at least two or three alcohol-free days each week.A unit is:-
·Half a pint of standard strength (3.5%) beer, cider or lager
·A pub measure of spirit
·Half a standard glass (175 ml) of wine
·A pub measure of sherry, vermouth or liqueur
Drink plenty of fluids - all body functions depend on adequate hydration, including waste elimination.
Avoid excessive stimulants (tea and coffee and drinks containing caffeine - eg cola, Red Bull, etc.). As the name suggest, these contain chemicals which stimulates the production of stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.Elevated levels of these hormones can contribute to insomnia .Elevated cortisol suppresses immunity, rendering one vulnerable to infections.Stimulants are also diuretic and will contribute to mineral loss from the body; minerals such as iron, zinc and calcium are vital for optimum immune function.
Avoid fizzy drinks and fruit juices - apart from chemicals, which add burden to immunity, these drinks are also high in sugar.
Ensure adequate sleep - our immune system can recharge when other body functions are at rest.
Avoid excessive stress - in response to stress we produce excess stress hormone cortisol,which suppresses immunity. Insomnia is very often a symptom of elevated cortisol.
Ensure some exercise - exercise stimulates lymphatic circulation. The lymph fluid transports nutrients like proteins and fats to the cells and waste materials such as dead cells, poisons, toxins and excess water from the cells. Research in mice showed that sedentary mice which begin to exercise regularly developed significantly stronger immune system.A brisk walk, yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, etc. are all suitable.
Increase zinc-rich foods. Zinc is a mineral abundant in fish, shell fish (oysters), pine nuts, pecan nuts, cashew nuts and pumpkin seeds, among others.The role of zinc in immunity is well researched and it has been found to be involved in various aspect of immunity from the barrier regulation (eg gut integrity) to immune cell production and activation.
Supplements - research into supplementation is controversial, however, at times like this, one should try everything to minimise the risk of infections. At BCNH we recommend 3 basic supplements:-
1.A good multivitamin-mineral complex
2.An antioxidant complex (A, C, E, Se, Zn)
3.Vitamin C with flavonoids - 3 x 500mg a day
We do not favour any supplement company in particular, but the brands we would recommend are Allergy Research, Biocare, Biotics, Lamberts, Higher Nature, Nutri, Solgar, Thorne, Veridian, etc.
For further information on Swine Flu, please check this government website:-
Supplements are not substitutes for a healthy diet and should be used in addition to DIETARY changes. SUPPLEMENTS MUST NOT REPLACE ANY PRESCRIBED MEDICATIONS! If you are taking any prescribed medications you must consult your GP first. If you have any concerns about your healh, pleasae contact your GP.
One of my tutors emailed me this joke and I loved it so much that I decided to share it with you. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Breda
I LOVE THIS DOCTOR!
Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... Don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster.. Want to live longer? Take a nap.
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Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism for delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable) and a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.
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Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!
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Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.
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Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?
A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
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Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?
Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.
And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride!!!
Experts have issued a warning against drinking large quantities of cola, saying it could lead to muscle problems, an irregular heartbeat and bone weakness.
As well as tooth decay, diabetes and "softening" of the bones, doctors have seen patients suffering from hypokalaemia - where potassium levels in the blood drop too low.
This can increase the risk of muscle problems and heart rhythm abnormalities, which could prove fatal in some cases.
Experts say cola can cause fatal conditions
The number of cola-lovers suffering health issues is on the rise, they said, adding there had been a food industry push towards an "increase in portion sizes".
"We are consuming more soft drinks than ever before and a number of health issues have already been identified including tooth problems, bone demineralisation and the development of metabolic syndrome and diabetes," said Dr Moses Elisaf, from the University of Ioannina in Greece, who led an academic review of the issue.
"Evidence is increasing to suggest that excessive cola consumption can also lead to hypokalaemia, in which the blood potassium levels fall, causing an adverse effect on vital muscle functions."
His study, published in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, detailed cases where patients drank two or more litres of cola a day.
In one case, a 21-year-old pregnant woman was admitted to the hospital suffering tiredness, loss of appetite and repeated vomiting.
Evidence is increasing to suggest that excessive cola consumption can also lead to hypokalaemia, in which the blood potassium levels fall, causing an adverse effect on vital muscle functions
The patient had consumed more than three litres of cola per day for the previous six years and was found to be suffering from severe hypokalaemia and a heart blockage.
Once she was taken off cola and given potassium replacement substances, she made a full recovery. Another pregnant woman found to be drinking six or seven litres of cola a day suffered similar problems but also made a recovery when she dropped her intake.
Other case studies of people drinking between two and nine litres of cola a day found they suffered muscle problems ranging from "mild weakness to profound paralysis".
The authors said their findings were relevant because we now live in an era when the food industry sells drinks in large sizes.
"In an era where the food industry presses towards an increase in portion sizes of these preparations, (these) observations may have important public health implications," they wrote.
One theory is that the sugar content of cola could lead the kidneys to excrete too much potassium, while another is that the caffeine content of cola leads to a redistribution of potassium in the body's cells or increased excretion from the body.
The most common ingredients in cola drinks are glucose, fructose and caffeine, Dr Elisaf said. "The individual role of each of these ingredients in the pathophysiology of cola-induced hypokalaemia has not been determined and may vary in different patients," he added.
Dr Packer said: "In 2007, worldwide consumption of soft drinks reached 552 billion litres or 82.5 litres per person. "This is projected to rise to 95 litres per person by 2012.
Dr Elisaf said: "Although most patients recover when they stop drinking cola and take potassium supplements, cola-induced chronic hypokalaemia can make them more susceptible to potentially fatal complications, such as an irregular heartbeat.
"We believe that further studies are needed to establish how much is too much when it comes to the daily consumption of cola drinks."
A spokeswoman for the British Soft Drinks Association said: "The examples used in this paper by the International Journal of Clinical Practice are all very extreme cases - moderate consumption of cola drinks is completely safe and people can continue to enjoy such drinks as part of a balanced diet and active lifestyle."
She said nutrition labelling is included on packs so people can make an informed choice about the products they are drinking.
Breda's comment
I agree that we should not deprive our kids of everything; no chocolate, no cola, no biscuits, no this, or that, as it will turn them into food obsessive nervous wrecks who will eventually end up with an eating disrder. Moderation is the key. However, how many kids drink cola in moderation? I have a habit of peeping into peoples’ shopping trolleys, especially when there is a mum with a kid or two. And what do I see? Litres of cola and huge packets of crisps for good measure.
Not all mums shop like that; for me its delightful to see a shopping trolley full of vegetables, fruits, wholemeal pasta or bread and lean meat or fish. The most common excuse is that healthy eating is too expensive. However, considering that 1Kg of Sainsbury's Fairtrade Apple Bag is £1.99; comparing weight for weight,with 1Kg of Kettle Chips, which is an astonishing £8.96 (almost 3 x the price of apples), the money issue is no excuse. At the end of the day, it all boils down to education and awareness. Thank you Metro for highlighting the Cola issue.
Avocado to Zucchini (published by AuthorHouse) is an illustrated A to Z of fruit and vegetables for children.
Rhea Hayes is a former model and student nutritionist. She is passionate about educating children about the benefits of fruit and vegetables, why they should be a crucial part of everyone’s diet, and why they can be cool and interesting.
Childhood Obesity has become a serious issue in modern Britain. Avocado to Zucchini is a book that will help children start off on the right track and get those disinterested in healthy food back on the wagon!
Rhea explains to children how they grow (i.e. on a tree or plant), their nutritional content, and why such nutritional content is good for the body. At the same time they will also be taught really interesting facts about each fruit or vegetable, such as why carrots help us to see in the dark, and what the Romans ate to stop them going bald!
Through her background in Pharmacy, Rhea learnt that medication isn’t always the answer. She realised that it must be better to try and prevent illnesses rather than treat the symptoms, when it’s often too late.
This book appeals to readers as it is an exciting and educational read for children and adults alike. And if nutrition is taught at an early age it will help children to grow and develop into healthy adults. This book aims to teach children information that they can build on through their formative years and beyond.
About the author: Rhea is a former model through Barbara Daley and was a L’Oreal Colour Trophy model, she is now a student nutritionist and healthy eating campaigner; she wanted to write a book aimed at children that would inspire them to get interested in fruit and embrace vegetables.
Members of the media can request a review copy or interview by contacting: Publicity Coordinator Tel (UK): 0800 197 4150 pressreleases@authorhouse.com
BCNH Graduates are rushing to put their names on the NTC register. To our knowledge, our graduate and ex-tutor, Simon Lewis is the first BCNH graduate to be registered with NTC. May many others follow the suit.
Well done Simon and all others going through the process.
Nutritional Therapy keeps receiving bad press, hence the urgent need of regulation. NTC is working very hard on this issue; our training courses are becoming more & more standardised, following the National Occupational Standards (NOS), so all Nutritional Therapy students receive rigorous academic and clinical training to ensure fitness to practice. This will, no doubt, in due course, elevate our professional status and minimize the negative press.
BCNH is preparing to apply for Stage 2 NTC accreditation by 31st July 2009.
We are NOT being accredited by FTNP and we have NO relationship with this organization.We do advise our students and graduates to join BANT and NTC.
