Is the treatment covered by health insurance? »
Consultations are not covered by your health insurance. The EsTeck scan is included in the consultation.
Is the therapist certified? »
Yes, the therapist is certified and affiliated with the NWP association. This represents a mark of quality. Qualifications were obtained at the Academy for Naturopathy and classical Homeopathy, Arnhem in the Netherlands, see HVNA. The therapist also follows compulsory training annually to keep up-to-date with the latest developments.
How many consultations are needed on average before I see results? »
You and your therapist work together to regain, build and maintain your health. Sometimes complex ailments can improve remarkably quickly, while others take longer to be healed as the underlying causes take longer to be found. After the intake, an estimate is made of the duration of treatment. One important factor to keep in mind, in the progress of your recovery, is the degree of effort that you are willing to put in.
What happens if I do not see any improvement in my symptoms? »
If you think that insufficient progress is being made during your treatment at NHC, we will discuss this openly. In some cases a different form of treatment may be more effective for you. At NHC we can work with you to refer you to a therapist who has the specialization you require. NHC can provide you with guidance to reach the appropriate therapist.
What can I do if I have complaints about the treatment? »
The therapist tries to advise, coach and treat you as best as possible. Yet it may happen that you are not completely satisfied with your treatment or how you are being approached. What can you do? It is always best to talk about your complaints with your therapist, as soon as possible. If this does not lead to satisfaction, you may appeal to an independent organization; the Complaints Alternative Medicine (KAB). If your complaint is severe, the KAB assists in filing your complaint to the disciplinary committee.
What is gluten and why should I avoid it? »
Gluten are a form of protein and are found in, for example wheat, rye, barley, oats and spelt. These proteins have a damaging effect on the intestines. When macro-nutrients are not properly absorbed through the intestines, vague often hard to pinpoint symptoms may occur. Even though you may not experience pain or bowel movement problems, the presence of gluten in your diet can have negative effects on your intestinal functioning. Some people tolerate gluten better than others, but for most people, to process gluten is a burdensome task for the intestines. When one stops eating gluten, many people notice an improvement in the symptoms. It is possible to support the intestines in recovery with supplements. During the intake consultation you will receive, upon request a list of products containing gluten and products with which you can replace.
What is superfood? »
Superfood is a name given to natural products that contain a high concentration of nutrients. Superfood is exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. These building blocks are indispensable in maintaining optimal health. Because fruits and vegetables are harvested unripe, have been sprayed with pesticides and herbicides and are grown on depleted agricultural soil, the amount of nutrients in these fresh products have declined increasingly over the years. Superfood enables us to get all the important nutrients from our diet. Superfood is not new however, these foods have been used elsewhere in the world for centuries but were not as well known in the western part of the world.
What is the importance of vitamin A (retinol)? »
Beta-carotene is converted by the liver into vitamin A. This vitamin plays a role in the formation of epithelial tissue such as skin, cornea and mucosa. It is important for growth, formation of bone tissue and the immune system. Vitamin A is harmful in high doses. Recommended dosage is only up to 1000 mg per day. It is important that the use of vitamin A is accompanied by vitamin D and E. For example, one source of Vitamin A is cod liver oil.
What is the importance of vitamin B1 (thiamine)? »
This vitamin plays a role in carbohydrate conversion, without B vitamins certain chemical reactions in the body are not possible. When a deficiency occurs, energy metabolism and the formation of amino acids are disrupted and neurological disorders then may arise.
What is the importance of vitamin B2 (riboflavin)? »
This is a co-enzyme involved in the metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. It is important for growth, healthy skin, hair and nails. It supports the production of energy, is necessary for the formation of red blood cells and for the regulation of reproduction, including regulating thyroid activity. Recommended dosage is only up to 10 mg per day.
What is the importance of vitamin B3 (niacin)? »
This is important in regeneration of skin, muscles, nerves, and DNA. Without this vitamin a well-functioning metabolism does not exist. Stored in the liver, niacin has an antioxidant effect and takes part in many enzymatic processes. Recommended dosage is only up to 70 mg per day.
What is the importance of vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)? »
This is a part of co-enzyme A and plays a crucial role in the metabolism. Because vitamin B5 is found in many different foods, deficiencies are rare. If there is a deficiency of vitamin B5, then there is often also a shortage of other vitamins from the B group. This can lead to fatigue, sleep problems, depression, insensitive or sore muscles, hair loss, immune weakness and abdominal pain. Recommended dosage is only up to 130 mg per day.
What is the importance of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)? »
This is a co-enzyme involved in the building of proteins from amino acids and is among other processes, important during pregnancy. It plays a role in diuresis and in the conversion of tryptophan into B3 and 5-HTP, important for healthy levels of serotonin and in the production of red blood cells. B6 should not be taken as a supplement for long periods of time or at high dosages.
What is the importance of vitamin B11 (folic acid)? »
This plays a role in cell division and is therefore of importance during rapid tissue growth, particularly during the development of the fetus. It is involved in the formation of DNA and RNA, crucial to the healthy functioning of the body. The human body cannot independently produce folic acid and it is dependent on the supply of resources such as nutrition and dietary supplements. Recommended dosage is only up to 400 mcg per day.
What's the importance of vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)? »
This is often recommended for vegans and vegetarians because it occurs only in animal source foods. Consequently they may run higher risk of having a B12 deficiency. This deficiency can cause many symptoms, such as; anemia, failing immune system, decreased fertility, allergies and fatigue. Supplementing with B12 should show a fairly rapid improvement of the symptoms, if this does not occur, this deficiency can be quickly ruled out. The desired response to intake of B12 is an energy boost. Make sure you don't buy the cyanocopalamin variety! Recommended dosage is only up to 100 mcg per day.
What is the importance of vitamin B17 (amygdalin)? »
Research is ongoing into the medicinal effects of B17 in the prevention of cancers. B17 is found in the seeds of stone fruits such as apricots, plums, cherries and also in bitter almonds. B17 should not be taken in high doses, up to 5 seeds per day, throughout the day.
What is the importance of vitamin C (ascorbic acid)? »
Vitamin C is among other things, important for the formation of bone and connective tissue and stimulates the white blood cells in their antibacterial effect. Kamu Kamu extract is the only natural vitamin C in supplement form. The others are synthetic in origin. Sodium ascorbate is a form of vitamin C that may be administered by means of intravenous therapy, stimulating a rapid improvement in cases of influenza. Other chronic complaints can also improve significantly with this intravenous therapy. While this is not a prescription offered at NHc, we do have the expertise to advise you about this remedy. You could then be referred to a herein specialized centre, that will determine whether there is an indication for you to have this treatment.
What is the importance of vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol)? »
This is a vegetable form of vitamin D, of importance for bone tissue metabolism. Vitamin D2 is produced in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Sebum in the skin contains cholesterol, which is necessary for the production of vitamin D. People that are overweight need more vitamin D. Vitamin D regulates, among other processes, the absorption and excretion of calcium and phosphate. Vitamins A and D are needed in order to metabolize proteins. Sources of this ergosterol are spirulina, wild harvested mushrooms (tanned by UV-B) and chlorella, the body converts it into ergocalciferol. These are the only non-animal sources of vitamin D, therefore important for vegans.
What is the importance of vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol)? »
This is the form of animal source vitamin D. It is formed in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Sebum contains cholesterol in the skin and that is necessary for the production of vitamin D. There exist vitamin D1 to D5, but D2 and D3 are the generally preferred form of supplementation. Excess vitamin D3 causes calcification of the organs, therefore it is important to also supplement vitamin K2 in order to prevent calcification. Good sources of D3 are oily cold-water fish such as; eel, herring, salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines. Also, egg yolks and fish oil capsules. A vitamin D deficiency can cause reduction of the functioning of the immune system. There are light therapy lamps on the market and also special spiral lamps (without hood) recommended to aid during wintertime for people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder. These lights ensure that you continue to create enough vitamin D in the absence of sunlight. Tip: Do not immediately take a shower with soap after sunbathing. That will rinse off the vitamin D, rinsing with water is fine.
What is the importance of vitamin E (tocopherol)? »
This is an antioxidant which protects cell membranes against oxidation. Cell membranes contain unsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E which helps vitamin A to be absorbed. Major sources of vitamin E are wheat germ oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, linseed oil, palm kernel oil, grape seed oil, and green leafy vegetables. Recommended dosage is only up to 150 mg per day.
What is the importance of vitamin K (fylochinon)? »
This plays a role in coagulation (blood clotting) and is produced by bacteria in the intestines. A deficiency of vitamin K leads to delayed blood clotting which can cause heavy or prolonged bleeding. A vitamin K deficiency is rare and occurs primarily in newborns (when the umbilical cord gets cut too quick), people with severe absorption disorder and patients that have used antibiotics long-term. Because vitamin K plays an important role in blood clotting. Patients receiving oral anticoagulants or blood thinners, must be very careful about how much vitamin K they consume. This may be of crucial importance. They can best contact their family doctor.
What are antioxidants? »
An antioxidant is able to neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radicals are involved in cell aging and DNA damage. Severe forms of DNA damage can lead to cell mutations and could eventually cause cancer. Chronic inflammation cause free radicals but smoking and alcohol also do that too. For foods that are high in antioxidants, the general rule to consider; the darker the bread, vegetables, fruit, honey and mushrooms, the more antioxidants they contain.
What are E-numbers? »
E-numbers are additives in processed foods that have no nutritional energetic value. It is mainly added to give food flavor, to give a fresher appearance or to preserve food longer.
E100- E180: colorings
E200- E250: preservatives
E260- E297: food acids
E300- E321: antioxidants
E322- E385: emulsifiers, stabilizers, gelling agents and thickening agents
E420- E421: sweeteners
E500- E585: acidity regulators, anti-caking agents and leavening agents
E620- E650: flavor enhancers
E900- E914: brightening and antifoaming agents
E920- E925: flour improvers
E938- E948: packaging gases
E950- E967: sweeteners
E990- and further: other substances
What is Candida? »
Candida albicans is a unicellular fungus that lives in the gastrointestinal tract. If the immune system is not sufficiently strong or has endured frequent use of antibiotics, there is a possibility of overgrowth of this fungus and the natural balance in the gut is disturbed. It is then called Candidiasis. Fungi cannot produce organic substances, but live from it. Fungi live off sick and dead tissues. There must be sick or dead tissue for fungi to be able to digest it. Candidiasis symptoms can be numerous. Common are gastrointestinal complaints, thrush, excessive vaginal discharge, vaginal itching and decreased energy. Its treatment consists of a modified nutrition plan and use of natural therapeutic remedies in order to reduce the overgrowth of fungi. The optimization of the intestinal flora is of great importance.
What is acidification and why this is not good? »
The body is constantly working to maintain a healthy state (homeostasis) in which all the functions of the body can take place optimally. If the body gets exposed to acidifying factors often, minerals in our food are used to neutralize acidification. Then the acid and alkaline balance is restored. However, these minerals then can't be used as building blocks for tissue growth which is the intention. Also minerals, such as calcium from the bones are extracted. This may cause osteoporosis as well as chronic diseases. Acidification strikes up between the cells and will cause corrosion on the weakest link in your body, such as organs. If the cell acidifies, then one runs the risk of susceptibility to infection and disease. Acids are corrosive. pH 7 is neutral, the balance needs to be slightly above pH 7.
Causes of acidification can be:
- Non-nutritious food that harms your body
- Stress, smoking and alcohol
- Contaminants from nature
- Excessive sports
What is Epigenetics? »
DNA is like a library in cells in which all of our genetic characteristics (codes) are stored. A protein on the DNA determines whether an enzyme is or is not activated. Which means, whether a gene is turned on or off. For the most part, the environment of our cells determines how the cells behave. For example, the muscle cell or nerve cell gets differentiated from the stem cell because the environment determines that! Inherited errors in DNA are relatively not as common as assumed. Scientists in epigenetics are beginning to discover that environmental factors and living conditions partly determine whether we fall sick or not and that is good news! That means we are not at the mercy of our genetic predisposition but we ourself can affect the behavior of our genetic material to a certain degree. Much of the research into epigenetics is new and some conclusions are therefore based on experiments on animals and may not apply to humans. But everything included its scope is far-reaching. It confirms the hypothesis that the on and off switches for gene expression for the best part, is determined by environmental factors. Of course, this doesn't mean that getting sick is a matter of personal debt. Living in fear when you eat unhealthy is worse than unhealthy snacking and fully enjoying this at times. Taking responsibility for your health is, nevertheless wise.