She believes in the power of natural remedies. Nutritionist Dr Lesley Braun who was recently in the city to attend the AICOG (All India Conference of Obstetrics & Gynecology), wants to impart that knowledge. In an age where nutrition is key in people’s lives, she sifts through the deluge of information to give you some honest advice.
With a degree in Pharmacy, Lesley had two reasons to choose this as a career — her father who studied Naturopathy and set up a free clinic, and her grandfather. “Both are connected to my family. My father told us stories about people who got fantastic results which I felt was something I wanted to do. My grandfather loved walking but had diabetes which left his legs sore. When I suggested herbal medicine, he was able to walk better, and it also improved his memory.”
Clinics, hospital policies and the government have been a part of her work area, all in a bid to help people access the right remedies, that are helpful and safe. Dr Braun feels that in order to have a happy and productive life, one must be fit physically and mentally. “People take the things they eat for granted, and don’t have a healthy diet. You need to be aware about what you eat, how you cook and store,” says the alumni of Mt Scopus Memorial College. A vegetarian, Lesley realised the lack of proteins in her diet, thus fish was added as well. Having co-authored Herbs & Natural Supplements: An Evidence-based Guide, she elaborates, “It looked at the traditional science behind ingredients. With herbal medicine, there is a traditional form of usage, and a growing scientific base. It is the same with Ayurveda. This is now being adapted in the West. A naturopath looks at the tradition and science of things.”
While professional athletes like footballers and cricketers are an example for the Australian says, “Professional athletes are very picky about what they eat and do as their body is their livelihood. They have to perform, recover and be at their best all the time. But sometimes, many are misinformed about the latest fads.” Lesley who has been to India before, says that it’s her first time in Bengaluru, “The weather is nice, people are warm, open and friendly.”
Anyone on a stringent diet looks forward to their cheat days. And the nutritionist explains, “Moderation is key. It’s a good philosophy if a weight loss diet is followed for six days, and on the seventh day, you can eat (what you want). It helps people stay disciplined.”
She calls her trainer her fitness guru, and proudly adds that her 50-year-old trainer has world records in weight-lifting. “He has proven that as he got older, he became stronger. Turning up at competitions, men in their 20s stood no chance against him.”
On the nutrition trends this year, she says, “More people are looking at supplements, towards empowering themselves to better health and a personalised regime. People will not just Google things related to health, they will want credible sources.”
