fbpx

gut health

Kids Health webinar SOCIALS (6)

Kids’ Health

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

We all want the best for our children and a large factor of a child’s health rests in what goes into their bodies. Children have a great need for quality nutrition as their bodies are growing rapidly. Lack of proper intake of macronutrients, vitamins and minerals equals lack of physical growth and neuronal development.

Laying the groundwork early is important to not only solidify their health but make it easy for them to make healthy choices as they grow into adults. Creating a healthy relationship with food early on can prevent a lifetime of illness. Holistic health includes having the right amount of nutrients as well as teaching your children where their food comes from, how it is grown, how to prepare it and why it is good for their bodies.

Focus on food quality

Most foods can be switched for a healthy, nutrient-dense alternative. Many parents are obsessed with making sure their child eats a lot of food. However, focusing on hitting nutrient targets rather than large quantities of food is a better goal to have in mind. If you are struggling to get your child to eat sufficient amounts, it is definitely a good idea to swap in some nutrient-dense, calorie-dense foods so they are getting quality in what they are eating.

It is ok if your child does not want to eat at mealtimes

Creating intuitive eating patterns early on is important as once emotional bonds and habits are tied to food it is very difficult to unwind them. Whilst intuitive eating is a recent theory, research has discovered it is associated with better weight control and psychological health. It may be hard to loosen the grip when you just want the best for your child but research has found that parental control over feeding activities inhibits a child’s ability to self-regulate their eating. It also increases the temptation and desirability of restricted foods. Creating an intuitive eating pattern means better health outcomes and psychological wellbeing rather than associating food with emotions or situational triggers.

How do we create intuitive eating patterns?

  • Let your child decide when they are hungry
  • Teach them about new foods
  • Help them understand and experience foods that are good for them and how those foods make them feel
  • Question, don’t tell. Ask them if they are hungry or how they feel after eating certain foods to get them in touch with their own body and intuition.

Meeting their needs

Below are some important nutrients to focus on and signs of associated deficiencies.

  • Amino acids (the building blocks of protein) – poor immunity and wound healing, behavioural changes, anxiety and depression, fatigue.
  • Magnesium – hyperactivity, sleep disturbance, poor attention, anxiety.
  • Zinc – impaired taste, poor appetite, fussy eating habits, poor immune function, weight loss, skin disorders, depression and anxiety.
  • Vitamin D – poor immunity, auto-immune conditions.
  • Iron – failure to thrive, fatigue, shortness of breath, pale complexion. A child needs four times the amount of iron than does a 20-year-old male.
  • Essential fatty acids (e.g. omega 3) – asthma, poor sleep patterns, increase in earwax, poor cognitive function (memory, focus, fatigue), skin disorders.

Speak to a health professional to discuss your child’s needs through the different age brackets.

Tips for fussy eaters

  • Recruit your child’s help. Get them into the garden to help grow their food then teach them how to cook and create with it. This gives them a sense of accomplishment when they get to eat the food they grew.
  • Meet hunger when it is there and respect your child’s appetite or lack of. Let them drive their intuition.
  • Be patient when introducing new foods. It can take many tries to get their palette used to new foods.
  • Encourage your child to stay at the table for mealtimes. Even if they aren’t eating, it forms a connection and bond with your family.
  • Make food fun and creative. Some simple ways are getting cut-outs to cut fruit into stars or other shapes and utilising natural colourings like beetroot powder and turmeric to make things colourful and interesting.
  • Praise and reward with non-food items or activities. Using food as a reward can set up an unhealthy relationship with food.
  • Let them know the superpowers the food will give them.

Minimising toxin load

Another key health goal is to minimise the toxin load for your child and includes food sources. Focus on providing organic and wholefoods and avoid artificial colouring and additives as they can cause a range of symptoms including hyperactivity, asthma, rashes and gastric upset.

However, food is not the only contributor where toxins are concerned. Skin products can be full of chemicals which can be absorbed into the body by as much as 80 per cent. This increased load can lead to behavioural conditions such as autism and ADHD. Avoiding chemical-filled body products can also help minimise the presentation of many skin conditions and skin irritations.

Holistic care for kids

Can we give our children herbal medicine? The answer is a resounding YES! How do we get herbal medicine into kids? This is not always easy but many companies now produce children’s versions of our favourite supplements. These are in small dosages and taste good. Lucky kids! Another bonus is that as children are smaller, they require less of the supplement meaning the price is often lower.

We love seeing happy, healthy children in clinic and watching them thrive as they grow and develop. Just as the children themselves are all different, so are their needs. If you would like help with your child’s specific nutrition and development, please book an appointment and consult with one of our naturopaths.

Written by Ally Stuart BHSc
Naturopath

August 2020 (22)

Weight loss – More than just diet and exercise

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Are you carrying a bit (or maybe a lot) of extra weight that you just can’t shift? Were you able to lose weight easily in the past through dieting and exercise but that is no longer working for you?

I have struggled with weight issues since I was child so I know what it is like. It’s likely I have tried every ‘diet’ you can think of, lost the weight and then regained it numerous times over. My last crazy weight-loss regime (which was actually a very well-known 12-week transformation program that I did 3 times in a row) saw me lose a whopping 20 kg over 6 months and shrink down to the tiniest I have ever been – a size 8. But trust me when I say I wasn’t healthy. It was actually the straw that broke the camel’s back. I ended up with severe adrenal exhaustion and could not get off the couch for months. My immune system was a mess and I couldn’t get rid of the chronic cough I developed from a cold. My body was utterly depleted.

That was nearly eight years ago and, while my adrenals are much happier these days and my overall health is significantly improved, since that time I have regained all of that weight and a few extra kilos for good measure. There are days when I don’t feel ‘good enough’ or healthy enough to talk to patients about their weight, but then I remind myself that I am probably the best person to have that conversation because I really get it. And I will not judge you for it.

Weight issues are a heavy burden to bear (pun intended) and there is often a clear genetic link when you look at siblings, parents and grandparents. While there is no doubt that what you put in your mouth (i.e. food and drink) and the amount of exercise you do are significant factors when it comes to body size, there is more to the story.

Inflammation

One of the first things to consider is your body’s capacity to deal with inflammation and oxidative stress. We are designed to respond to injury quickly and inflammation is a normal part of our innate immune defence to repair tissue. The key here with acute inflammation is the rapid response and a resolution.

However, when the persistent irritant doesn’t go away (e.g. alcohol, fast food, smoking) or the repair doesn’t go as planned, we end up with chronic inflammation that does not go away; that is, there is no resolution.

Chronic inflammation is one of the leading contributors to disease including obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, PCOS, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune disease, endometriosis, osteoporosis, infertility, autism and heart disease.

Adipose (fat) tissue is an endocrine organ

Yes, you read that correctly. Your fat tissue produces hormones including leptin (involved in appetite control), cortisol, insulin and numerous pro-inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, TNF-alpha and angiotensinogen. Up to one third of IL-6 levels found in the blood are produced from adipose tissue and IL-6 is strongly associated with diabetes risk. CRP has been shown to drive ALL other risk factors associated with heart disease including high cholesterol.

Your adipose tissue is making you hungrier, storing more fat and creating significant inflammation. Hopefully this helps to explain why obesity is considered to be an inflammatory disease now.

 

Exercise and inflammation

Did you know that exercise causes muscle cells to produce IL-6 too? BUT the difference here is that IL-6 doesn’t activate pro-inflammatory pathways (as it does with adipose tissue). Better yet, exercise also stimulates the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-10. (Tip: There are other ways to increase IL-10 and down-regulate inflammation too.)

Exercise is potently anti-inflammatory and can significantly offset inflammation produced from adipose tissue.

Of course, there is always one exception to the rule! There is a known genetic variant that may predispose you to exercise-induced muscle injury, with this risk substantially increased if you are overweight or obese.

Are you keen to know your risk and what exercise is right for you? Good! Read on.

Your ability to metabolise carbohydrates, protein and fats

There is more to weight loss than simply calories in and calories out (or energy consumption vs energy expenditure). Some people are genetically more prone to carrying extra weight.

Your genes influence your metabolism in a number of ways including how effectively you metabolise and absorb fats, carbohydrates and protein. Your genes also control your appetite through hormonal regulation (e.g. leptin).

It’s time to shift our thinking away from calories in and out, to regulation of energy storage and energy utilisation. It is here that we can use our unique DNA to help us find optimal health.

Genetic testing can determine your unique dietary requirements based on your DNA, as well as determine the best type of exercise for YOU to help you burn body fat.

Genetic testing for weight management

Testing includes genes associated with:

  • inflammation
  • immunity
  • antioxidant and cellular defences
  • nutrients including vitamin D, A, B12, folate, choline
  • hormones and fertility
  • methylation and homocysteine metabolism
  • cardiovascular health, fat metabolism and cholesterol regulation
  • metabolism, diabetes and weight management
  • food allergies and intolerances.

One of the many benefits of genetic testing is that you can find out why you struggle with weight issues. It takes the blame out of the equation. And better yet, you can be provided with the information and support you need to make changes that will enable you to lose the weight, without any crazy fad diets.

I just sent off my own personal DNA test kit last week so watch this space.

Are you ready to take the next step? Book an appointment today. I am ready to help you take that first important step to better health.

Written by Denise Berry BHSc
Naturopath

Denise is an accredited FitGenes and BioCeuticals DNA Testing practitioner and will help you to determine the most appropriate DNA test for you.

August 2020 (2)

Mastitis – natural suggestions when breastfeeding

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Mastitis is the common infection many women suffer from during their breastfeeding journey. Symptoms of mastitis include breast tenderness, malaise, redness on the breast skin, breast pain, breast rash and a fever.

Mastitis is something I have helped many new mums with in clinic. Many people don’t know how a naturopath can help them with their mastitis, often resorting to the recurrent use of antibiotics.

While antibiotics will work in some cases and might be needed, there is a range of natural options to not only help with the prevention of mastitis but also its treatment. The huge benefit with natural alternatives is that there are no consequences on your gut health which, interestingly, could be contributing to you getting mastitis in the first place (hello gut-immune connection). As an integrative naturopath, I believe strongly in the balance between health care systems/choices so if you have been taking antibiotics or are taking them currently, I would suggest also seeking naturopathic care to help support your gut health and immunity at the same time.

Our little William is now 10 weeks old and I have been taking Qiara probiotic throughout my pregnancy and breastfeeding journey. I believe it has helped my gut and immunity immensely. I have not yet suffered from any blocked ducts or mastitis and believe taking this probiotic has been part of the reason for that. Like everything I promote in my clinical practice, prevention is better than cure. The good thing is that Qiara can also be used if you do get mastitis or breast pain – simply take Qiara at the first signs of mastitis or pain!

Clinical research conducted using the single probiotic strain found in the Qiara probitoic, shows that it may:

  • reduce discomfort associated with breast pain and mastitis
  • reduce the recurrence of mastitis.

Qiara achieves this by aggressively targeting and outcompeting the pathogenic bacteria in breast milk that may be causing the pain and infection. It also helps to restore and maintain a healthy balance of protective flora in the breast milk microbiome to help prevent recurrence.

We stock Qiara probiotic in our clinic and in our online shop. You can purchase it here!

Other things you can do if you get mastitis include:

  • keep feeding your baby as this will help to drain the breast
  • apply a cold compress. Chilled cabbage leaves are suggested.
  • take probiotics (Qiara Pregnancy and Breastfeeding)
  • rest your body
  • drink water and stay hydrated
  • take herbal medicines. Always seek individual and qualified support on this, however, one of my favourite go-to herbs is echinacea. We make custom blends with a combination of herbs in our clinic which are available via an acute mastitis appointment. Book here.

I hope you have found these suggestions beneficial. Remember, a healthy and balanced diet and lifestyle will also contribute to helping prevent infections through a healthy immune system.

Written by Karly Raven BHSc
Naturopath

July 2020 (33)

The Gluten Debate

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Gluten avoidance has been a contentious subject, becoming the butt of many jokes. However, for many, the issues caused by gluten and wheat products are laughing matter. Unfortunately, many people feel the pressure to succumb to eating wheat products out of fear of being perceived as annoying or just appearing to be fussy with their food choices.

So, the question on everyone’s lips is, should I be avoiding gluten if I do not have coeliacs disease?

The answer is not straightforward. For myself, I like to say I am gluten selective. I will definitely consume gluten, but I have a series of rigorous requirements before it gets my tick of approval.

Signs and symptoms

Many of us may connect symptoms of intolerance directly to gut distress but let’s not forget the intimate connection that exists between the gut and the mind, leading to many neurological symptom pictures.

  • Mood changes
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Irritability
  • Brain fog
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Abdominal pain

After consuming gluten, being self-aware of any changes in your body, especially those listed above, can give you a good indication if you should currently be ingesting gluten. Try eating a good quality organic sourdough and see how you feel afterwards. This will give a true depiction if wheat is causing you distress.

Why you should avoid gluten

  • Gluten and wheat products can be detrimental in neuropsychiatric cases, such as depression and anxiety, as they can cause gut irritation and inflammation resulting in heightened symptoms.
  • Gluten has also been shown to increase tight gap junctions in the gut resulting in leaky gut which can lead to many different etiologies, including many autoimmune conditions. Therefore, reducing or removing gluten from your diet in autoimmune conditions is extremely important to improving outcomes.
  • It has been suggested that some symptoms of autism spectrum disorder may be caused by opioid peptides formed from the incomplete breakdown of gluten.
  • Hormonal imbalances can be heightened by gut issues as hormones are processed through the gut.
  • Another factor to consider is avoiding gluten that is not organic and is unfermented (see why below).

Where did we go wrong?

Much of the time it is not gluten that is the problem and, in many cases, some gluten-free products are in fact more detrimental than eating a wheat-filled product. Take a look at these ingredient lists below for two different store-bought pizza bases.

Non-gluten free pizza base: Organic sourdough starter, salt, organic flour.

Gluten-free pizza base: Maize Starch, Milk Solids Non-Fat, Rice Flour, Thickener Maize (1422), Mineral Salts (575, 500), Besan Flour, Vegetables Oil, Iodised Salt, Food Acid (297), Preservatives (282), Vegetable Gums (461, 412), Emulsifier (471), Filtered Water.

Why are we seeing a high prevalence of coeliac disease and non-coeliac gluten sensitivity?

Many wheat products are genetically modified, meaning our gut doesn’t break down this version of a gluten protein. Numerous people report that when they travel to Europe they have no issue with pasta and pizza and this is due to the fact that Europeans use heritage wheat which has not been genetically modified.

The majority of wheat products are now heavily sprayed with pesticides and also known to be heavily sprayed with glyphosate (i.e. Roundup). This can be the causing factor in reactions seen with wheat ingestion. A recent study proposed that glyphosate, not gluten, was the causal factor in many of the reactions seen with coeliacs and gluten intolerance.

Products that are not properly prepared can also cause reactions, as quick preparation can leave them filled with high amounts of hard to digest plant materials. A great option here is sourdough as these digestive irritants can easily be broken down through the fermentation process.

The high amounts of additives and preservatives now added to products can also cause similar reactions seen in gluten intolerance.

Non-coeliac gluten sensitivity is also seen in histamine intolerance.

How can we begin to heal?

It is important to heal the gut if you have been consistently ingesting wheat products, especially if they are the non-organic and non-fermented type.

Through a naturopathic approach, we begin by investigating the source of the problem then directing the treatment towards healing and sealing the gut and correcting any dysbiosis in the gut.

It is important to choose good quality products to prevent future issues and gut distress. In terms of consuming wheat products, the best practice is to choose organic, non-GMO, sourdough products. These are becoming increasingly easier to find and there is a plethora of sourdough recipes available on the internet. And these rules should not just apply to wheat! We should have the same standards for all the food we consume to prevent disease and heal our bodies.

We have created a number of excellent products and services to help you understand the importance of good gut health and to heal your gut. Want to assess your gut health? Take our quiz now!

Written by Ally Stewart BHSc
Naturopath

 

FREE GUT HEALTH MASTERCLASS!
Naturopath Karly Raven is hosting an online Gut Health Masterclass where you can discover all you need to know about your gut and what it takes to look after it.
Get an in depth understanding of what digestion and gut health really is, the powerful connection between your gut health and whole body health plus how to start healing your gut NOW.

Gut Health Masterclass
Wednesday 5 August 2020 @ 7.30 pm
Online via Zoom
Live attendance is FREE!

REGISTER NOW

June 2020 (18)

Histamine Intolerance

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Histamine is a signaling protein that helps tell the body to exhibit certain actions. It is a necessary component for the processes required for immunity, communication of messages within the brain, inflammatory processes and triggers release of stomach acid. However, an excess of histamine can cause the following symptoms within the body:

  • neurological – irritability, depression, brain fog
  • dermatological – rash, flushing, hives, runny nose
  • rheumatological – joint pain
  • insomnia, fatigue
  • cardiac – racing heart, palpitations
  • gastrointestinal – altered bowel function, abdominal pain, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, reflux/GERD/heartburn.

There is new information now linking histamine intolerance to female reproductive conditions such as endometriosis and PCOS.

What causes histamine intolerance

Histamine intolerance is a multi-factor issue incorporating many systems within the body which help excrete histamine. Additionally, the food we consume adds to this load.

When histamine levels get too high or when it cannot break down properly, it can affect your normal bodily functions.

  • Low functioning enzymes that help with the breakdown of histamine – DAO, HNMT, or monoamine oxidase
  • Gut dysbiosis, IBS or inflammatory bowel disease
  • Certain medications can block the breakdown. Ironically, antihistamines affect the breakdown of histamine. Other medications include analgesics, antibiotics, antidepressants, antacids, diuretics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories.
  • Certain foods can block the breakdown of histamine.
  • Some foods can also liberate histamine in the body – cacao, citrus, bananas, egg white, crustaceans, nuts and seeds, pork, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes.
  • Excessive consumption of foods that trigger the release of histamine (citrus, bananas, pork, egg white, chocolate, crustaceans, spinach).
  • Hormonal imbalance (insufficiency or excess) – particularly an increase in oestrogen levels make women more susceptible to histamine intolerance
  • Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genetic mutations
  • High levels of stress place high nutrient demands on the body.
  • Presence of pathogens (many of which produce histamine or block methylation)
  • Female reproductive issues are a risk factor for histamine intolerance as well as inversely high histamine having a direct effect on outcomes of PCOS, PMS and endometriosis.

Foods high in histamine

  • additives and preservatives
  • alcohol (particularly fermented drinks such as beer and wine)
  • avocado
  • coffee and tea
  • cured and smoked meats and seafood
  • dried fruits
  • eggplant
  • fermented foods (cheese, kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut, yoghurt)
  • foods high in protein
  • vinegars and food containing vinegar (e.g. pickles and mustard)

In general, fresher foods tend to have less histamine so the older leftovers are, the more histamine they contain.

How is it detected

The gold standard for assessing if you may have a histamine intolerance is by doing an elimination diet as this can show results quite quickly and you are treating it at the same time. We can also test histamine levels within the body, as well as levels of DAO, HMNT and monoamine oxidase.

A naturopathic approach

Fortunately, histamine intolerance is not like any other intolerance and can be treated relatively quickly and easily through your diet. Limiting amounts of histamine heavy foods like wine, cheese and aged meats can be a good start to reducing your symptom picture.

If antihistamines work well for you and reduce symptoms, this could indicate you may be histamine intolerant. Further, long-term use of antihistamines can lead to an intolerance, so it is best to try and address or manage the cause as opposed to masking the symptoms.

  • Management of gut dysbiosis (most important) – through gut repair, potential microbiome mapping and introduction of specific probiotics related to histamine release. Repairing the gut can help to induce the production of the specific enzymes that breakdown histamine.
  • A low histamine elimination diet (for one month) – with slow reintroduction of higher histamine foods to test for tolerance. This is going to quickly reduce histamine levels in the body and, as it causes gut issues, reduce any gut inflammation, helping to repair damage and increase excretion of histamine.
  • Balancing hormones and addressing any associated conditions such as adrenal fatigue or high stress – there is a two-way relationship between histamine and cortisol, progesterone and oestrogen, which is why it is more likely to affect women.
  • General anti-inflammatory and immune support – many herbs and nutrients help prevent the release of histamine and the processing of histamine in foods. Nutrient supplementation can include quercetin (antihistamine and anti-inflammatory properties), vitamin B6 (increases DAO activity), vitamin C (increases histamine metabolism and breakdown), vitamin E (may decrease mast cell activation) and magnesium sulfate (inhibits the release of histamines).

If symptoms do not improve, assessment of whether there may be MTHFR or other issues that may be causing the histamine load may be necessary.

Can you relate to this? Naturopathic treatment, testing and support is available. Book an appointment with one of our naturopaths. They are trained and experienced to work with you to get to the cause of your issues.

Written by Ally Stuart BHSc
Naturopath

May 2020 (39)

Are You Living With an Invisible Illness

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

I see a lot of patients in clinic who have been let down by traditional medical care because they do not fit neatly into a box for a diagnosis. Patients present with a list of symptoms, sometimes diverse and seemingly unlinked, and often their blood work will come back as ‘normal’.  So, the doctor tells them they are fine – or worse, that it is all in their head – and sends them home. Except they are not fine.

It happened to me. And I have witnessed it with numerous patients.

Living with an invisible illness can quickly take its toll. People do not want to be a burden to their family and friends who don’t understand what’s going on and they become isolated. Additionally, being told it is ‘all in your head’ while the symptoms persist can lead to anxiety which can quickly spiral into depression.

I met a new patient recently, let’s call her June, who for the past three years has been living with debilitating fatigue, chronic diarrhoea, strong reactions to nearly everything she ate (to the point she was existing on around 10 different foods only) and struggling with chronic pain. She saw her GP multiple times and each time was told there was nothing wrong with her. Her GP suggested she try antidepressants. It turns out she had been exposed to mould and her body was unable to clear it.

Then there was ‘Peter’ who had been putting up with a variety of symptoms for the last nine years including severe muscle aches and pains, chronic fatigue, dry mouth, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dry eyes and vision issues including a lack of focus, significant gut issues, sweating, nausea, periods of extreme vomiting followed by weight loss of up to 10 kg, urinary issues, tinnitus, hives and swelling, headaches, anxiety and depression. Peter was only in his late 20s. Doctors and specialists ran various tests, each only looking at one part of his body, such as the heart or bowel, with all deciding there was nothing wrong with him. Needless to say, Peter gave up on seeing anyone for help a number of years ago. Upon questioning, Peter had a strong family history of autoimmune disease and his symptoms first started after he began a new job that involved continual chemical exposure.

Just because you cannot name your condition, does not mean you don’t have dysfunction in your body.

Your GP is very well trained to diagnose conditions based on set criteria and to provide treatment, usually in the form of medication specific for that condition. If there is no diagnosis, there is very little your GP can do for you. I do not blame GPs; they are doing the best they can. But there is an undeniable gap in patient care – and that is where a well-trained naturopath comes in!

Naturopaths don’t just look at one part of your body in isolation, we consider your body as a whole in all of its complexity. If you have extreme fatigue, we don’t just consider blood test results for iron and B12, although these are important. We will also ask you about your entire health history from birth, through childhood and right up to where you are now, looking for clues to help join the dots. I like to ask people to finish this sentence: ‘I haven’t been well since…’ and will often complete a timeline to identify triggers. It is incredibly revealing.

When I look at test and pathology results, I am looking for signs of dysfunction not disease. They are two very different things and something your GP will not do.

The role of diet, lifestyle and your environment are equally as important. Genetics can predispose us to illness, BUT it is your epigenetics (what you eat, do, think, feel and surround yourself with) that have the power to switch your genes on or off that can have the greatest impact on your health.

If genetics load the gun, epigenetics pull the trigger.

Both June and Peter had a genetic predisposition to develop autoimmune disease but their chronic exposure to chemicals and toxins, combined with dietary and lifestyle factors, saw them develop an invisible illness. They knew it existed because they lived with it every single day, even though GPs told them there was nothing wrong and it was all in their head. Their first steps towards healing were through understanding how their illness developed initially and what needed to be done to get them well again.

My goal is to find the root cause of your dysfunction and work with you to correct it. I do not need a diagnosis or a name for your condition to be able to do this.

I must mention the importance of the gut–immune interface in both of these cases. June and Peter were experiencing systemic inflammation that stemmed from a compromised gut (including pathogenic bacterial overgrowth) and poor liver detoxification, that resulted in their wide and varied symptoms. By identifying and correcting the root cause of their invisible illness, we were able to dramatically improve their symptoms and overall quality of life.

It is so important to have hope. Things can get better with the right care.

As well as holding a 4-year health science degree in naturopathy, I have completed additional training in nutrigenomics, gut ecology and metabolic modulation (GEMM) and vitae mosaic complex case management for practitioners.

Yes, I love the complex cases! 

If you have been dismissed by your GP, feel unheard and continue to live with your invisible illness, I’d love to work with you. Book a free discovery call today to see how I can help you. Alternatively, if you are ready to take action now, book an initial consultation.

Written by Denise Berry BHSc
Naturopath

Immune Packs Online (19)

Supercharge Your Immunity

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

With many scientists around the world working to create potential treatments and vaccines for COVID-19, it may be hard to see why you would need to be doing anything yourself. However, there is a lot you can – and should – do to prepare your immune system naturally. After all, it is your best defence against not only COVID-19 but all infections! Preparing your body can also be the difference when it comes to the severity of the symptoms you may experience if you do get ill.

It is very important to also comply with government and World Health Organization recommendations but that does not mean you can’t take responsibility for your own health, creating a warrior-like immune system ready to fight off anything that comes its way.

Naturopathic treatment

Acute naturopathic treatment will focus on the systems most affected by the pathogens, including the lungs, systemic inflammation and mucous membranes (ears, nose, throat, gut, mouth). Every case will be different and may have a completely different symptom picture. It is crucial to ensure you are helping your body recover to the best of its ability to prevent any complications now or in the future. Treatment is tailored and directed to specific areas that require immediate attention.

(Our acute appointments are ideal for this type of illness as they are just 20 minutes in duration and focused on the presenting symptoms.)

Testing is also important to gauge where systems in your body may be affected or to assess levels of critical nutrients and cofactors required for immune function. Testing allows us to get a clear picture of what is going on and treat it quickly and effectively.

Immune system boosting nutrients and food

Our diet plays an extremely important part in how well our body functions. By consuming nutrient rich foods necessary for optimal functioning, we can positively affect and even boost our immune system.

Vitamin D enhances the immune system’s response to pathogens, creating a tailored response to infection. It also has a high influence on the regulation of cytokine production of the immune system. Making sure you are getting out in the sun is important as people who are depleted of vitamin D have a higher risk of infection. Fifteen minutes of sunlight in the middle of the day is a great start to boosting your vitamin D levels. Some small amounts of vitamin D are found in fatty fish, butter, eggs, fish and liver. As we head into winter it is more difficult to get your recommended daily dose so a supplement may be required.

Vitamin C is an antioxidant and immunostimulant that regulates immune cells. There are certain states that compromise our vitamin C levels including air pollution (for example bushfires) and physiological stress, which unfortunately covers a lot of us in Australia this year. High amounts of vitamin C can be found in kiwi fruit, capsicum, papaya, berries, broccoli, lemon, lime, pineapple and cabbage. Aim to eat fresh fruits and vegetables in their raw state where possible as cooking reduces vitamin C significantly, with up to 100 per cent reduction in some cooking methods.

Selenium prevents pathogens from replicating and holding onto our cells. It is an antioxidant and immunomodulator meaning it regulates, not overstimulates, our immune cells. Infection is shown to severely deplete selenium so boosting stores post-infection is important. Luckily, one brazil nut is the daily recommended dose so indulge in a few to boost your levels quickly. Selenium is also found in grass-fed meat and shellfish.

Vitamin A is an important antioxidant immune stimulant and supports mucosal immunity. Vitamin A creates a surface that can help combat the pathogen at the site. Vitamin A is also a mucolytic meaning it helps to break up mucus, a problematic facet of COVID-19. Good quality vitamin A can be hard to obtain but the best sources are butter, eggs, grass-fed meats, liver and sardines. An antioxidant that converts to vitamin A is beta carotene which can be found in carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, dark leafy greens, squash, broccoli and peas. However, it does require conversion to work within the body.

Zinc is critical for all development of immune cells. Australian soils are depleted of zinc so we need to consciously consume this nutrient. Also, unfortunately, it does not store in the body making it even more important to ensure we include it in our diet every day. Suboptimal zinc ingestion can lead to reduced immune defence capacity by as much as 30–80 per cent. The best sources of zinc are shellfish, oysters, grass-fed meats, cashews, pine nuts and pumpkin seeds.

Essential fatty acids are the cell gatekeepers of immune cell regulation and influence the behaviour of proteins involved in immune cell activation. They also play an important role in regulating inflammatory responses. This is crucial for COVID-19 treatment due to the out of control inflammatory response which is the cause of the more sinister issues. Most concentrated sources which are lower in heavy metals include fatty fish, mackerel, halibut, herring, sardines and salmon. Vegetarians can obtain ALA from consuming chia seeds, flax seeds, hemp seeds and walnuts however it requires conversion within the body making it less efficient.

Probiotics create a protective barrier against antigens, influence immune response and modulate the immune system (including modulation of cytokine response). You can stimulate the gut bacteria through fermented foods such as kombucha, sauerkraut and kefir. Alternatively, stimulation through feeding your beneficial gut bacteria via prebiotics is another angle. Prebiotic foods include artichoke, bananas, chicory, garlic, leek and onions. It is recommended to further investigate microbiome levels as this can provide a more targeted approach.

Quercetin directly inhibits coronavirus replication and draws zinc into the cell to help combat the pathogens. It is found most densely in onion, capsicum, grapes, tea (black and green), cherries, leafy greens, apples, grapes and red wine. It is an antioxidant, antiviral, immunomodulator and anti-inflammatory. Quercetin is also cardioprotective and antidiabetic.

If in doubt, eat the rainbow!

A varied diet of unprocessed and organic foods covers many bases from a nutrient perspective and helps to reduce inflammation which reduces cytokine production.

(Our Immune Packs contain high quality products to assist with boosting your immunity. Check them out under Health Kits in our shop.)

More information about the virus can be found in our blog ‘Coronavirus – What you should know’.

If you would like to know more about boosting your immunity through naturopathic treatment, book an appointment with one of our naturopaths. Treatment provided is individual and targeted to your needs.

Written by Ally Stuart BHSc
Naturopath

May 2020 (16)

Coffee – The good and the bad

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Coffee is one of the world’s most popular beverages. It contains caffeine which is a psychoactive stimulant drug that speeds up the messages travelling between the brain and the body.

The psychoactive effects of caffeine influence neurotransmitters (mood hormones) such as dopamine and norepinephrine which leads to better mood, greater alertness, energy and improved cognitive function. Along with these positive psychoactive effects, coffee contains several minerals and antioxidants which provide a benefit to health. Research has shown that because of the caffeine, minerals and antioxidants found in coffee, regular or daily coffee consumption can help with:

  • reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases including heart attack, heart failure and stroke
  • reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes
  • reducing the risk of developing neurological diseases such as depression, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
  • improving physical performance
  • promoting longevity or a longer life span.

Although there are many health benefits that come with regular or daily consumption of coffee, there are also many negative health effects for individuals due to the caffeine quantity.

On average, a cup of coffee contains anywhere between 60–350 mg of caffeine depending on your individual order. A standard Australian-made coffee contains approx. 100 mg of caffeine. If you order a large/double-shot coffee, that is approx. 200 mg of caffeine. If you have another large/double-shot coffee later in the day, that’s another 200 mg and so on. You can see how quickly and easily this could add up. Additionally, items such as energy drinks, tea (including green tea), soft drinks and even chocolate all contain caffeine which means your caffeine intake is not just limited to your coffee.

Here is how a high caffeine intake may be negatively affecting your health:

Stress and anxiety

Caffeine stimulates our adrenal glands to produce adrenaline and cortisol – our ‘stress hormones’. These are the hormones that activate our fight-or-flight response and amplify our reaction to stressful situations. As such, consuming coffee recreates a stress response but the body can’t tell the difference; it is just responding accordingly to the increased levels of adrenaline and cortisol in the system. This will lead to symptoms including shakiness, heart palpitations, racing heart and hyper-vigilance which leaves us feeling jittery, anxious and on edge.

Over time, continually elevated adrenaline and cortisol levels deplete the adrenal glands and they are no longer able to produce these hormones to keep up with demand, leading to a feeling of being ‘wired but tired’ and is the sign that the adrenal glands are fatigued. This has a flow on effect and begins to negatively affect other hormones.

Sleep quality and quantity

As mentioned earlier, caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant drug – it gives us that buzz and keeps us alert! Depending on how well our liver detoxification pathways are functioning, caffeine can remain in the system for up to 8–12 hours. If you are consuming caffeine in the afternoon, there is a strong chance that it will still be in your system in part when it comes time to go to bed, making it much harder to fall asleep. Caffeine also inhibits the uptake of the hormone adenosine in the brain which is required in high concentrations for sleep onset.

As a general rule, you should drink caffeinated beverages after 8 am, after you have eaten breakfast and no later than 11 am, especially if you are sensitive to caffeine.

Digestive health

Caffeine is very acidic which contributes to inflammation and is incredibly irritating to the gastrointestinal tract lining. Caffeine also increases gastrointestinal tract motility, causing a laxative effect, which is why bowel motions, looser stools or diarrhoea are commonly reported after caffeine consumption. The increase in gastrointestinal tract motility, or laxative effect of caffeine, negatively impacts the digestion process, resulting in improper digestion of food and nutrients. This influences the body’s nutrient levels, see below. Caffeine may also suppress appetite, as well as trigger bloating, heartburn and reflux.

Nutrient levels

Consuming caffeinated beverages with meals interferes with the metabolism and reduces the absorption of many important nutrients including magnesium, vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium and iron, each of which perform hundreds of different important functions in the body. Separate caffeinated beverages from your meals by 1–2 hours to assist your gut to metabolise, digest and absorb these important nutrients.

If you find you cannot get through the day without coffee, you are having issues with sleep onset at night-time or you are experiencing some of the above mentioned digestive issues, it might be time to start thinking about reducing your caffeine intake. It is worthwhile seeking the assistance of a naturopath to help restore your body’s own energy production and other system or organ functions that may have been impacted by excessive caffeine consumption over time.

Written by Perri Baldwin BHSc
Naturopath

May 2020

Behaviour Starts in Their Gut

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Every behaviour your child has is for a reason, and poor or unhelpful behaviour signals a deeper issue within their body that needs to be addressed.

Parents don’t often make a connection between their child’s mind and their gut but these systems are intertwined more than any other two systems in the body. There are many neurotransmitters produced within the gut, and there is a constant communication going both ways between the mind and gut.

While many children may have a genetic predisposition to behavioural disorders, this is not the cause of the issue. A common analogy is to think of genetics as the gun and environmental factors as what pulls the trigger – all have a distinct effect on the gut.

Factors affecting microbiota and digestion:

  • C-section delivery – no ingestion of bacteria found in birth canal to initiate their own gut bacteria
  • Diet – including variances between breast milk and formula
  • Sterile environment – exposure to lots of cleaning products with no exposure to dirt and a range of bacteria
  • Reduced exposure to a variety of people and animals
  • Antibiotic exposure – wipes out good bacteria, potentially causing an imbalance
  • Stress – causes microbiome changes and shuts down digestive processes and secretions.

A large number of children with behavioural disorders have distinct gastrointestinal symptoms. This can cause a primary trigger due to gastrointestinal pain which the child might not be able to communicate. In addition, these symptoms can cause changes in production in neurotransmitters, immune system changes, gut permeability and malnutrition which, in combination, cause rampant inflammation.

So, how does this all tie together and what does it have to do with your child’s behaviour?

The microbiome can cause immune activation directly at the gut surface. When the gut lining is not optimal, opportunity arises for disease-causing bacteria to populate and immediately signals an immune response. This is a normal response in someone with a diverse number of good bacteria which can overcome the bad bacteria, ensuring this happens less often. However, when gut integrity is low and the bacteria unbalanced, the immune response is constantly set off. This then signals nerves associated with serotonin which is a neurotransmitter associated with many behavioural disorders. It also creates inflammation within the brain which has a direct effect on the efficiency of mental processing.

As mentioned before, the gut and the brain also have a two-way conversation which is called the gut brain axis. Activity within each organ signals a response. For example, high level of stress within the brain signals the gut to slow down digestive functioning even if there is food coming through. This can cause poor digestion and inflammation within the gut, signalling the processing of neurotransmitters sending out stress signals, making your child’s behaviour change dramatically.

A poorly functioning digestive system may include slower digestion, impacted stools and fermentation. Having high amounts of digestive toxins may trigger inflammation within the body, again causing poor neurotransmitter production and inefficiency. Large amount of pollutants such as heavy metals, histamine, hormones and oxidants have been directly linked to autism, ADHD and other behavioural conditions. Optimising gut function will help detox and remove these pollutants.

The gut lining is where the conversion of food to minerals, vitamins, fats, proteins and carbohydrates occurs. If there is inflammation and problems with the microbiome, the conversion process will be inefficient. Even if the child is eating a healthy, nutrient-dense diet, they may still be deficient in certain nutrients. This deficiency affects the whole body and its processes, including production of neurotransmitters and inflammation.

There are so many ways your child’s behaviour can be affected so it is important to get a clear picture of what is going on within the gut. Understanding where the problem lies can be achieved through investigative questioning and functional testing, with the information used to tailor treatment and develop a personalised plan specific to your child and their needs. The goal is to get their health in order as soon as possible.

Now, you may be thinking this is all well and good but it’ll be almost impossible to get my child to eat well and take supplements. Well, it might not be easy but it will be well worth the extra effort! Together we can discover ways to introduce healthy and balanced food into your child’s diet. Even if your child exclusively eats chicken nuggets and vegemite on toast, we can start working on some healthy alternatives that you can prepare ahead of time and which are specifically designed to reduce the mood swings and behavioural symptoms. And in doing so, you will be helping your child’s mental health as well as your own. You will also be helping your child in the long run by introducing and replacing foods that not only replenish stores of essential vitamins but also promote good microbiome health. And that is the ultimate goal!

If you would like help to improve your child’s behaviour through gut health, please make an appointment with one of our naturopaths. Our knowledge of the gut and how it impacts all areas of your health have helped many people just like you and your child to turn their health around and live a well and happy life, naturally. Get right to the cause today!

Written by Ally Stuart BHSc
Naturopath

April 2020 (14)

Putting Your Health on Hold

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 0

Across the entire healthcare sector currently, we are seeing many patients deferring treatment. This includes not undertaking regular check-ups with their GP, putting off getting blood tests, not getting their blood sugar or blood pressure checked, not going for a PAP smear or continuing to monitor chronic health conditions.

It makes sense though, doesn’t it. Nobody wants to leave the house at the moment and people don’t want to place any unnecessary strain on our already overwhelmed healthcare system. Is this you or someone you love?

It is so easy to put your health at the bottom of the list when we are in a time of crisis, prioritising all else above your own wellbeing. How many of you are parents who are now acting as teacher and technical support for your kids who are home 24/7? Maybe you are also trying to adjust to working from home on top of everything else. Or perhaps you are now out of work and dealing with significant financial stress. In the moment, these things all seem so much more important than a health check. However, it is only when you are on the other side of the crisis that you can look back and understand the missed opportunities when it comes to your health.

Why you must NOT put your health on hold

Let’s talk about the importance of continuity of care, especially for those who are in the middle of treatment (e.g. antimicrobial treatment for SIBO) or who have a chronic health condition (e.g. type 2 diabetes). We will also address the impending mental health crisis that will hit this country like a freight train when all of this is over.

Here’s a graphic I came across recently (credit: Victor Tseng, Twitter) that I had to share with you – because it is important and illustrates the situation well.

Right now, the government and the media are focusing on the immediate crisis and trying to manage the number of cases to avoid overwhelming our hospitals. Beyond stages one and two, which includes those who survive intensive care and require further medical care, comes waves three and four, which in my view are much more significant.

The third wave is a direct result of what we have discussed here so far – those who have not sought help or managed their condition during the current crisis. Ironically, in not wanting to burden our healthcare system, the burden will actually be greater after COVID-19 due to an influx of people who will require medical care as a consequence.

The message is very clear – look after yourself NOW!

More than ever, your own self-care is critical, not only for minimising your risk of acquiring the virus, but also for reducing your need to access further medical care in future. Prevention is always better than cure.

I treat a significant number of people in clinic for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and other gut issues, and many are on antimicrobial treatment as part of their healthcare plan. It is essential to continue this treatment wherever possible, to avoid relapsing and effectively having to start all over again.

I also work with people with autoimmune disease, respiratory disease such as COPD, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular health issues including hypertension, all of whom are at significantly increased risk of developing complications from COVID-19. It is critical that they continue to manage their health throughout this period.

For those of you who already struggle with mental health issues including anxiety and depression, it is essential to develop strategies to deal with the new world we find ourselves living in. Accessing naturopathic care during this time will help you to feel supported, give you specific nutritional advice and herbal support if required and provide coping strategies that will work for YOU.

When all of this is over, we will be forever changed – there is no doubt about it. Many Australians will be deeply affected financially, some will experience burnout and far too many will be looking to our medical system for support with mental health issues. I fear for our suicide rates over the next 6–12 months. Stage 4 is going to be significant.

Again, I cannot stress enough the importance of preventative care. We do not have to wait to reach stage 3 and 4 to act. If you prioritise your health and do what you need to do now to truly look after yourself, you will not become part of those statistics.

Ditch the guilt. Your loved ones need you and you are no good to anyone when you are sick.

If you need help, please reach out and ask for support. We would love to assist you. Under our new HOME CARE initiative, you can access all our usual services (Zoom or telephone). We also offer free Discovery Calls, a 20-minute chat with a naturopath designed to answer any questions you may have when considering an initial appointment. Book now and start getting the care you need!

Written by Denise Berry BHSc
Naturopath

Load More

 


Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from Kismet Health.

 

You have Successfully Subscribed!