Press, Magazine and TV Coverage
Nick has been featured in the media extensively both in Australia and overseas - click below to sample some of the press coverage:
- Natural Highs
Featured in West Weekend, a supplement to The West Australian newspaper, that featured on March 20-21 2010.
Today
Tonight
(Channel Seven) Nationwide TV feature about Nick's tiredness treatment and handbook
|
for further information
and to see Nick Dale |
- Diet
Advice Never Tires
Featured in ND Southern Gazette, 28 June 2005
- Tired
All the Time? Tips
to overcome tiredness
Featured in GoodMedicine.com.au: DietClub, 24 February 2003
Wake
Up To Your Tiredness
Cover article of U! Magazine, a supplement to the The West Australian newspaper,
that featured on 30 October 2002.
- Nick
Dale has also had a feature article in Beauty News (US
magazine) titled Balancing the Mind: The Effects of Stress
on Memory, by Rachel Sokol
Natural Highs
Feeling low or lethargic? Mother Nature might have just the prescription for you writes Amanda Keenan.
It's a curious thing, really. Everything seems to be OK, but you're just feeling a bit, well, blah. It's a symptom of these modern times - we're so busy trying to live up to everyone's lofty expectations (not to mention our own) and so desperate to tick off life's never ending shopping list that we often forget the most basic ingredients for a healthy and happy existence.
For many of us, it's not the chemist we need - it's a brisk walk to it. Director of the Perth Natural Medical Clinic, and columnist for The West Australian, Val Allen says we need reminding just how much basic diet and lifestyle changes can affect our mental and physical health; how feeling good can be your best ever DIY project.
Val says that first and foremost, it's all about attitude and having the right outlook. "That's the big thing because that influences all of your health, mentally and physically."
Once you've got your attitude sorted out, try to steal a laugh now and then. "They've proven that one of the best things you can do for your health is laugh a lot because laughter actually stimulates endorphins that both help you make the feelgood hormones and chemicals in your body, but also stimulates your immune system at a very deep level. Make some time in the day to find something funny or watch something funny."
Even better, Val says, laugh with people you love. "People stay healthier for longer if they have a good family interaction and communication. Instead of just sitting around and watching TV, for goodness sake eat your meals together at the table, spend time together - whether it's playing with the kids, sitting down as husband and wife and talking about things or listening to a favourite bit of music. Just do something with people that are special and close to you because that makes you feel good and de-stresses you enormously as well."
Once you're relaxed, get out! Fresh air and exercise are really important - there's no excuse for people not getting outside these days. We haven't got blizzards and snow very often. Fresh air and the 30 minutes of exercise they keep talking about is the absolute minimum," Val says.
"The other important thing is that they've also found that Australians and Canadians are the two countries where vitamin deficiency is the greatest and we do not get enough vitamin D from the sun. So before 9 o'clock and after 3 o'clock... go for a walk with the family and the dog. Go out there and get some sunshine."
And while we all know we need to drink water, we aren't doing it. "Most people drink everything but water. And without good old-fashioned water, two litres a day, we don't flush and irrigate our system well."
Val insists it's also important to embrace probiotics and feed our bodies and minds with fresh food. "One of the best things you can get is a magnifying glass so that when you go to the supermarket you can read all the ingredients in fine print."
And if you're still not feeling flash, try a few natural remedies. Naturopath Nick Dale says getting a natural high is all about feeling vital and full of energy.
"Tiredness and common fatigue are tremendously common problems that people come and see me for these days - it's probably the main complaint that I get from all my clients," he says. "With fatigue and tiredness comes depression, anxiety and mental fatigue or lack of motivation. I find there are some very common underlying causes of these like a rundown nervous system, for which things like very common or useful remedies are magnesium and potassium. B vitamins are also very important to help with mental alertness.
Nick says another cause of fatigue or "feeling a bit down" - often with women - is an under-active thyroid. "So things like kelp or iodine supplements are very useful for that," he says. T"There are a number of other things which can help greatly with things like lowness of spirit or feeling a bit down - SAMe (S-adenosylmethionin) is a supplement that can help with low moods and be quite uplifting."
We also need to minimize our intake of energy drinks and stimulants like coffee and tea. "They tend to give an artificial high which can actually result in a feeling of being lower afterwards." But, Nick says, "what works for one person doesn't necessarily work for the next: - so seek advice.
And don't forget to stop and smell the flowers.
Today
Tonight
"I'm
like a changed woman"
Philippa
Collie describing to Channel Seven the results of the Beating Tiredness
program she was put on. The results were "remarkable."
Nick
Dale was recently interviewed on Channel Seven's nationwide show
Today Tonight.
The
show was titled "Tired All the Time" and also featured
an interview with one of Nick's clients, Philippa Collie, a school
teacher who had tried everything to increase her energy levels,
which were extremely low and affecting her ability to function in
everyday life.
Nick
explained how tiredness and exhaustion set a person up for other
problems as the system becomes rundown and becomes prone to depression,
anxiety, headaches and digestive and menstrual problems, as well
as discussing the way tiredness can be treated and corrected.
Click
here to read Channel Seven's review.
Wake
Up to Your Tiredness
Words:
Olga De Moeller
Cover
article of
U! Magazine, a supplement to the The West Australian newspaper,
that featured on 30 October 2002.
"You
know the feeling. Waking up in the morning feeling worse than you
did before going to bed the night before. Pressing the snooze button
on the alarm clock endlessly to avoid getting up. Staring at the
computer screen in a daze at work, then coming home and falling
asleep in front of the TV.
All
of us go through periods when we are always tired. We lose our zest
for life, have no energy and are easily fatigued. We are tired on
waking in the morning, find it hard to concentrate on daily tasks,
become irritable and snap at loved ones.
Chronic
tiredness is one of the most common reasons for a visit to a general
practitioner or alternative therapist - and it is also one of the
most difficult to treat because many factors can be involved.
Unless
there is a serious problem which needs particular attention, the
best results are generally obtained by taking a holistic approach,
which takes into account the physical, psychological, spiritual
and emotional aspects of a person's life.
Naturopath
Nick Dale believes most people he sees are operating at 50 to 60
percent of their true potential energy levels, which has prompted
him to write an e-booklet called Beating Tiredness, which is available
on his website.
Dale
has found that nutritional deficiencies, sleeping problems, a rundown
nervous system, adrenal exhaustion, an under-active thyroid and
thrush in the digestive system are common causes of tiredness.
Blood
sugar swings can also play a big part, in particular when it comes
to waking in the middle of the night because blood sugar levels
are at their lowest around 3am to 4am until breakfast or, in the
case of no breakfast, until lunch, and then from 4pm until the evening
meal.
"Adrenaline
is produced to compensate for this, which causes jitters and nervousness
or an on-edge feeling," Dale writes.
"The
low blood sugar levels from 3am result in sleeplessness because
of adrenaline production. At this time of night, a very light snack,
such as a piece of fruit or biscuit, will slightly elevate blood
sugar levels, causing adrenaline production in the body to return
to normal levels and thus relieving the symptoms."
Dale,
who practices in Leederville, believes nutritional deficiencies
are the main cause of tiredness, citing research which shows fruits
and vegetables can lose 50 per cent of their nutritional quality
within 24 hours of being picked.
Blanching
further destroys 30 to 50 per cent of vitamins and, to make matters
worse, 50 per cent of vitamins B1 and B2 and 70 per cent of B5 is
lost when meat is frozen.
"A
typical client would be a mum, with a couple of kids and often working
as well, so sometimes it's convenient to turn to prepared, maybe
fast foods, and get run down fairly quickly," he said.
"But
a lot of it has to do with the quality of the food we're exposed
to which is quite different from what our grandparents would have
eaten.
"For
most people, it's a long-term thing - years or even decades of not
enough nutrition."
Dale
is big on supplements, but does not believe they replace a healthy
diet, which should be 70 per cent vegetarian and contain lots of
salads, grilled meats and fish and preferably no dairy foods.
Light
exercise also comes into play, with a 30 minute walk recommended
after a day at the office and maybe a carrot and apple juice with
a slice of ginger or some mint for a quick boost..."
Tired
All the Time?
Tips
to overcome tiredness
Featured
in GoodMedicine.com.au: DietClub, 24 February 2003
"If
you're feeling tired all the time, you're not alone. Some 10-25
per cent of all visits to the doctor relate to fatigue. For some
people, fatigue can be severe and debilitating and have no obvious
cause - this condition is known as chronic fatigue syndrome and,
currently, has no known cure. For other people, fatigue is a symptom
of our busy lives. Long hours at work, poor nutrition and sleep
deprivation may contribute to an ongoing feeling of tiredness.
In
the majority of cases, fatigue can be overcome with changes to diet,
exercise and lifestyle factors. If, however, your fatigue becomes
an ongoing problem for six months or more, please visit your doctor.
Problems such as an under-active thyroid, iron deficiency or chronic
fatigue syndrome could be causing your tiredness.
The
sleep factor
One of the best things you can do to reduce your tiredness is to
make sure that you're getting a good night's sleep. You should be
aiming for at least eight hours every night. Improving your sleep
habits involves going to bed at a regular time each evening and
waking up at the same time in the morning, even on weekends.
For
more advice on better sleep, take a look at the www.DietClub.com.au
article, Ten tips for a good night's sleep.
To
nap or not to nap?
Some
experts suggest that napping makes bad sleep habits worse by interfering
with a regular sleep schedule. Others, however, swear by the power
nap and say that a short nap in the afternoon is a good way to revive
yourself. Ultimately, the decision to nap or not is up to you. If
you find that half an hour of shut-eye during the day perks you
up, then go for it. If, however, you find that you're having trouble
getting to sleep at night because you've slept a lot during the
day, avoid naps for a while and see if your night-time sleep habits
improve.
Exercise
and energy
If
you come home from work every evening and flop on the sofa, exhausted,
the last thing you want to hear is that you need to exercise. While
the initial energy expenditure created by exercise may make you
feel tired, over the long-term exercise can dramatically improve
your energy levels. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise every
day. Try not to exercise too close to bed-time though, as this will
stimulate your body temperature and metabolic rate, making it harder
for you to get to sleep.
Nutrition
Eating
well is the next important step you need to take to reduce your
fatigue. If you constantly rely on convenience foods or take-aways
for your meals, you may be missing out on essential nutrients. According
to the Health Department of WA, a healthy diet includes two serves
of fruit and five serves of vegetables each day. Your diet should
also be low in fat, sugar and salt and high in fibre.
Aim
to eat three, regular meals each day, with planned snacks in between.
Regular meals will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable throughout
the day. Don't skip breakfast! Eating something healthy at the start
of the day - such as cereal, fruit, yogurt or wholemeal toast -
will get your metabolism going and provide you with energy.
Perth
naturopath Nick Dale believes that lack of adequate nutrition from
our diet is one of the leading causes of tiredness. In his booklet, Beating Tiredness and Fatigue, Nick explains that "Recent
research has shown that within 24 hours of fruits and vegetables
being picked they can lose up to 50 per cent of their nutritional
quality."
Cooking
and storage methods can also contribute to lost nutrients. "The
moral of this," says Nick, "is that the vast majority of people
do not get enough nutrients from their food, even when having a
'healthy diet'."
Vitamin
and mineral deficiencies or food intolerance's may be contributing
to your fatigue. It's best to discuss these possibilities with your
doctor or natural health practitioner, who may recommend tests and
dietary changes.
Caffeine
- not a quick fix
Have
you become a coffee addict just to stay awake throughout the day?
If you're having problems getting to sleep, caffeine may be the
culprit. And your cup of tea or coffee, if taken with meals, may
be limiting the way your body absorbs iron from your food, which
may reduce your iron levels.
If
you think that you need several cups of coffee each day to keep
you going, think again. A recent US study found that women who drink
less than three cups of coffee a day are more likely to be focused
and mentally sharp than those who drink four or more cups a day.
Nick
Dale suggests that using caffeine as a stimulant will send you on
a downhill spiral: "These quick fix methods which only give temporary
pep will eventuate in an increased demand for more stimulants and
cause one to go down the dwindling spiral of less and less energy
and vitality."
Time
to give up cigarettes
Smoking effects your body's oxygen supply and this can leave you
feeling depleted and tired. It reduces your ability to breathe properly
and can drastically reduce your fitness. While nicotine is a stimulant,
the long-term effects of smoking are detrimental to your health
and well-being and it's definitely recommended that you give up
cigarettes.
The
vitamin and mineral connection
One
of the most common causes of fatigue is a lack of vitamins and minerals.
While vitamin supplements should never replace a healthy diet, a
daily multivitamin may be beneficial in improving your fatigue.
Consult your doctor, dietitian or natural health practitioner about
the vitamins and minerals that may be of use to you and the dosage
you require. In some cases, a blood test may be useful in confirming
deficiencies, particularly where an iron deficiency is suspected.
What
about iron deficiency?
Iron
deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, chills and hot flushes.
It can also impair your immune system and reduce your ability to
carry out physical activity.
Long-term
iron deficiency can cause anemia. The symptoms of Anaheim include
fatigue, poor stamina, heart palpitations, shortness of breath after
little exertion, a sore tongue, cracks at the corners of the mouth,
problems swallowing and changes in the fingernails, which become
concave or 'spoon' shaped.
Those
most at risk of developing an iron deficiency are women of childbearing
age and pregnant women, bottle-fed babies, toddlers, adolescents
and the elderly. Iron deficiency may affect development and behavior
in children.
Red
meat contains lots of iron that is readily absorbed by the body.
Vegetarians may also be at risk of developing an iron deficiency
if they do not include enough iron-rich foods in their diet. Other
good sources of iron include whole grains, pulses, nuts, green leafy
vegetables and dried fruit. Ideally, include some foods containing
vitamin C in your meals, such as oranges, tomatoes and lemons, as
Vitamin C helps your body absorb iron. Some food and drinks may
interfere with the way your body absorbs iron, including spinach,
soy, tea and coffee.
Iron
supplements are only recommended for women with heavy menstrual
blood losses, during pregnancy (if tests show a low iron status),
endurance athletes with low iron stores and for those who have been
diagnosed with Anaheim While the 5 mg of iron in multivitamin/mineral
supplements is safe for most people, large amounts can be toxic.
Men,
in particular, should take care before popping an iron pill. According
to dietitian Glenn Cardwell in his book, the Top blokes' food manual,
about one in 300 men have an iron overload condition called haemochromatosis,
where the body absorbs more iron than needed. In this condition,
iron builds up in the liver, pancreas and heart, slowly destroying
these organs. One of the symptoms of this condition is chronic tiredness.
If you take an iron supplement in this situation you will make things
worse.
Under-active
thyroid
Thyroid
hormone is secreted into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland in
the neck. When insufficient thyroid hormone is made, metabolism
and body processes slow down and weight gain can occur.
Symptoms
of hypothyroidism can be subtle and easily overlooked as signs of
normal aging. Early symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness,
sluggishness, a swollen tongue that you keep biting and a puffy
face.
As
metabolism continues to slow, further signs can include chronically
cold hands and feet, slow reflexes, constipation, dry skin and coarse
hair, brittle nails, heavy menstrual periods, slower pulse, and
a husky voice. Depression-like symptoms may also develop such as
forgetfulness, loss of interest, mood swings and irritability.
Weight
gains of as much as five to ten kilos (mainly fluid) can occur,
as well as a raised blood cholesterol level. The condition is more
common in women, especially following pregnancy, around menopause,
or after age 60.
A
simple blood test through your doctor can detect hypothyroidism.
Nick Dale has found, however, that blood test results can vary with
the time of day when the test has been taken, so it is important
to consider hypothyroidism even if the tests appear normal. Hypothyroidism
is easily treated in most cases with thyroid hormone pills. Kelp
supplements, with their naturally high iron content, may also be
useful.
Stressed
out and exhausted?
If
you're feeling overloaded, you need to give yourself a break. If
you think that your busy schedule is what's causing your fatigue,
especially if it's depriving you of sleep, work out ways in which
you can slow down and get some rest. Children, relationships, careers
and social lives can all take their toll if you're not setting aside
enough time for yourself. Clear some room in your schedule for an
early night, a long, relaxing bath, a yoga class or a nap. The three
o'clock lull Many people find that they've got plenty of energy
until a wave of fatigue hits them in the middle of the afternoon.
For most of us, napping on the job is not an option, so other means
of revival are required. Try to avoid having a heavy lunch that
will weigh your digestive system down. Opt for lighter meals that
contain salads or vegetables, whole grains and some protein. Many
people opt for a coffee or a sugary snack to get them past three
o'clock but this is not the healthiest option. You could try a lunchtime
walk for an energy boost, or take a short walk around the block
in the afternoon."
Diet
Advice Never Tires
Featured
in ND Southern Gazette, 28 June 2005
Perth
Naturopath Nick Dale says tiredness is not only about lack of sleep
but also poor diet.
He
has released a handbook on how to beat tiredness in which he explains
the theory. "Sleep, of course, is a major contributor but most
people I see are getting seven or eight hours a night but wake up
tired," he said.
"Sleep
disorders like insomnia are eliminated first but there are other
factors."
Mr
Dale said the emphasis put on sleep disorders could be misguided
and general nutrition and stress were essential elements in energy
levels.
"The
biggest cause of tiredness is people being rundown," he said.
It's
often too simple for people to grasp, people don't understand how
rundown they are."
The
handbook Beating Tiredness and Fatigue explains ways people can
reduce stress and build up their strengthen by getting sufficient
Vitamin B.
He
said the most common cause of tiredness was a rundown nervous system,
which dealt with stress.
He
said many mothers-to-be experienced tiredness because unborn babies
drew on their mothers' nutrition. However, he said middle-aged people
and those running businesses or families also experienced the problem.
"When
I see elderly people I don't see it so much and I think it's because
diets were so different 50 years ago and methods of storage were
different" he said.
