January 6, 2022

Bulletin 104 Health Topic

BRAIN REPAIR

The brain has its own waste removal system which is similar to the bodies lymphatic system called the Glymphatic system.


When we fall into a deep sleep, the hippocampus part of the brain will shrink by 200%. This leaves room for cerebral spinal fluid to wash beta-amyloid and other metabolic waste out of the brain.


This happens during the deep non rem sleep cycle which is the early stage of sleeping. It’s important not to wake up or disrupt this process as it will affect how much fluid is released into the brain cavity.


The Glymphatic system operates most efficiently when the body is horizontal. Falling asleep or dozing off upright will severely limit the release of spinal fluid.


For optimal results sleeping on your side with legs slightly raised will increase the Glymphatic wash process.


Zone 2 training, where you are training at a low-level heart rate (being able to talk but not sing) has also been shown to support the Glymphatic system.


This can be done on a stationary bike or cross-trainer for 45mins to an hour, 3 times per week.


You will also get the added benefit of making your mitochondria more efficient in utilising fat oxidisation for energy.


Each night if you are not getting enough sleep the waste product (beta-amyloid) accumulates, leading over time the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Salmon & Quinoa Bowls with Green Beans, Olives & Feta

By Zina Stone • November 13, 2025
Ingredients 450g salmon fillet ½ teaspoon salt, divided ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 30g string beans (green, yellow, or a mix), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 ¾ cups water ¾ cup quinoa (red, white, or tricolored), rinsed 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish, or 1/2 tsp. dried 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved or sliced Instructions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place salmon filet on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with 1/8 tsp. salt and pepper. Bake until the salmon is no longer opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then flake the salmon into bite-size pieces (discard the skin). Meanwhile, bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Add 8 ounces beans; cover and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Rinse the beans under cold water, drain well, and set aside. Combine 1 ¾ water, ¾ quinoa, and 1/8 tsp. salt in the saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Whisk 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 teaspoons chopped oregano, and the remaining 1/4 tsp. salt in a small bowl. To serve, divide the quinoa among 4 dinner bowls. Arrange the salmon, beans, tomato, feta, and olives over the quinoa. Drizzle with the dressing and garnish with more fresh oregano, if desired. Nutrition and Cooking Times Serves: 4 | Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes Nutrient Value per serve: Calories: 480kcal | Protein: 30g | Fat: 28g | Carbohydrates: 28g

Freedom Bulletin #305

By Zina Stone • November 4, 2025
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Oven Roasted Barramundi with Tomato & Olives

By Zina Stone • November 4, 2025
Ingredients 500g barramundi fillets 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup mixed olives, sliced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp capers, drained Zest of 1 lemon ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Lemon wedges, to serve Instructions Prepare the Barramundi Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Pat the barramundi fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place them on a lined baking tray. 2. Make the Tomato & Olive Medley In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, capers, lemon zest, and half the parsley. Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 3. Roast and Serve Spoon the tomato and olive mixture over the fish. Roast in the oven for 12–15 minutes until the barramundi is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from the oven, garnish with the remaining parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve warm. Nutrition and Cooking Times Serves: 4 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Nutrient Value per serve: Calories: 350kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 4g | Carbohydrates: 10g