Woods Naturopathy

[woodsnaturopathy]

Chronic Bacteria, Is it affecting you?

A messy subject, for sure! But one worth considering if you are suffering any form of chronic or recurrent illness. Those who are suffering chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, recurrent sinusitis or infections (UTIs, ear infections, etc) are most likely are harbouring a reservoir of chronic bacteria in their bodies.

You may feel like you’ve tried everything to heal, and for some reason keep having relapses or not making progress in recovery. You may notice that you are suffering the same type of illness / infection recurrently, and that recurrence occurs especially when you are stressed or run down. To understand why this is happening, we need to look at how bacteria works.

Opportunistic and Stealth Organisms

Bacteria are opportunistic. So right off the bat we can consider the perfect scenario for continued or recurrent infection. Fatigue, Stress, Poor Sleep, Vitamin Deficiencies, Low Immunity, Poor Diet all provide opportunities for bacteria. Do you fall into any of these categories? Have you observed a pattern in when your recurrent infection returns? Bacteria ‘persisters’ can lay dormant only to regrow after stress or any when the opportunity arrises.

Bacteria can be planktonic (swimming freely as single cell entities) or can be grouped together in a protective layer. This biofilm protects those cells from injury or death, helps it to hide from our immune system, and responds only transiently to antibiotics. After treatment with medication, any remaining cells that survive in the biofilm layer contain subpopulations of bacteria in different stages of their life cycle. Already this can render them more evasive to antibiotics.

When those remaining biofilm bacteria regroup (and often when you are stressed or run down), they can come back 1000 times stronger and express a different set of genes. Amazingly, those bacteria form a ‘collective’ and develop the ability to work together to protect themselves. This leads to antibiotic resistance, stealth behaviour (evading blood tests), with the bacteria becoming ‘smarter’.

So, this isn’t a horror story and there is no need to be scared. It does, however, highlight the essential role that natural medicine plays in the management and prevention of recurrent infection.

What can be done to resolve chronic infection?

Repeat antibiotics may reduce the infection, but as we can see the bacteria can return smarter each time. A A Naturopath will design a strategic treatment plan which utilises herbal/nutritional medicines to:

Weaken this biofilm layer prior to administering antimicrobials

Clean up the debris and toxins that result from the dying bacteria

Nourish the gut, strengthen mucous membranes/tissues, improve immune health to ensure we break this cycle of infection

I certainly am not anti antibiotics, and there is a time and place for these drugs. However there is so much more that can be, and must be done in order to ensure resolution. Herbal medicines have a number of essential healing abilities that not only eliminate bacteria, but improve the tissues and resistance to the return of bacteria.

I strongly recommend anyone who suffers repeat infections such as sinusitis, urinary tract infections, unexplained bloating or bowel issues, or autoimmune/chronic fatigue, skin conditions to come in for a thorough consultation and treatment prior to the cooler months.

[woodsnaturopathy]

Why am I Fatigued?

Fatigue can present physically or psychologically. In physical fatigue you will notice an inability to preform normal daily tasks such as carrying groceries, or climbing stairs. In physiological fatigue you will find difficulty in concentrating or low motivation and depressive mood.

Some Symptoms of Fatigue:

• headache, dizziness

• muscle weakness or sore muscles

• slow reflexes, impaired hand eye coordination

• impaired judgement, reduced concentration

• poor memory, low motivation, moodiness

• appetite loss, reduced immune function

• blurry vision, hallucinations

 There can be many underlying causes of fatigue, including an energy deficiency that is circumstantial to your daily or weekly routine. Are you over committed or burning the candle at both ends? Is it time for a holiday? Are you forgetting to eat or skipping meals? Is there emotional upheaval or chronic stress?

If your fatigue isn’t related to the above, and you know that something else is at play, then you may have one of the 5 types of fatigue below:

 1. Adrenal Fatigue

feels like you haven’t slept even after 8 hours sleep at night/ poor sleep quality and wakes unrefreshed

craving salty or sweet foods

overly sensitive to bright lights, sudden noises, crowds

frequent illnesses

low blood pressure, low libido

depression or anxiety, emotional, inability to cope with stress

inability to focus / concentration, poor memory

sometimes feeling most awake and energetic in the middle of the night, then feeling like it is midnight when it should be midday

insomnia 

• temperature dysregulation, aches and pains

• poor appetite

 2. Thyroid / metabolic Fatigue

sluggish, weakness, inability to concentrate and poor memory recall 

sleeps well but wakes unrefreshed

weight gain 

coarse, dry hair, hair loss

dry, pale skin

temperature dysregulation

daytime sleepiness

poor appetite

  3. Anaemic Fatigue

pale skin, cracked or reddened tongue

weakness, tires easily, can fall asleep in the afternoon

loss of appetite or strange food cravings

breathlessness, palpitations

frequent headaches

difficulty with concentration and easily irritated

heavy bleeding with periods

  4. Mitochondrial Fatigue

 Poor exercise tolerance along with other symptoms of fatigue mentioned above.

The mitochondria are are energy powerhouses within cells, responsible for converting byproducts of digestion into energy (specifically ADP enzymes from the break down of sugar, protein and fats, converted into ATP). ATP is the energy molecule which fuels our entire body. 

The mitochondria are highly susceptible to toxicity and will struggle in situations where there is increased ingestion of toxins, or there is a required need to perform a detoxification regime. 

 5. Nutritional Fatigue

symptoms of deficiencies related to specific nutrients. 

The most common causes of fatigue that a practitioner encounters is nutrient deficiency. This can range anywhere from lack of consumption of calories in the day, to suboptimal levels of foods with certain nutrients. Gut health is always assessed in cases of nutritional deficiency, and underlying issues such as bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), parasitic infection, poor digestive function, leaky gut, IBS, allergy and intolerance will seriously compromise the absorption of nutrients from your food.

A practitioner will evaluate your overall digestive capacity and metabolism to determine the correct treatment. There is no gain in supplementing or increasing nutrient dense foods, when in fact your digestive system is under functioning and not able to break down and absorb those nutrients. Many many people will be experiencing sluggish digestion and slow metabolism, and by treating this we can immediately benefit from an increase in absorbed nutrients without needing to supplement.

B vitamins, magnesium, iron, zinc, Co Q10. amino acids are among the most required nutrients to support body functions and maintain energy levels. For many people, supporting intake of nutrients by adding foods into your diet will suffice, however for those who have become chronically deficient, or who have an increased requirement, short term supplementation will be necessary.

 When to be concerned?

It is important to seek help from a qualified practitioner if you are experiencing any fatigue which is:

ongoing (chronic)

limits your ability to do every day tasks

worsens or doesn’t improve with rest

has a dramatic onset

appears with weight loss / weight gain, or dramatic changes to skin / hair / complexion and appearance

or if it is simply unexplained (not caused by lack of sleep or over commitments)

These causes or fatigue are extremely common in our busy society. In addition there are other factors which could be causing your fatigue. Naturopathy offers many treatments to correct underlying causes of fatigue, while also supporting your energy. For more information email me at [email protected]

[woodsnaturopathy]

Following Your Instincts with Health and Healing

If you’ve ever struggled to be heard in the medical system, to have a condition diagnosed or symptoms evaluated objectively and thoroughly, you are not alone. There are countless stories from people just like you who have spent months or years with a feeling of ‘not being quite right’. Sometimes experiencing even more concerning symptoms that impact quality of life and the ability to perform every day tasks. Yet despite this, patients can sometimes be turned away from doctors, emergency departments, and other health professionals, and often made to feel as though their symptoms are 'all in their head'. 

 Why does this happen?

There are many reasons why this can occur. One reason is that our bodies are individual and the same conditions/diseases can cause a range of different symptoms in each person. How we experience our symptoms is unique to ourselves. To add confusion, how we describe our symptoms can be even more unique, and if you are like me, at times descriptions can be absolutely abstract! (Insert sound effects and hand motions!)

Another hurdle inhibiting diagnosis is the way in which chronic illness moves and evolves. We are always striving to feel at our best, to push through and get things done, and stay positive. Our bodies are always striving to achieve homeostasis and maintain a balance despite the illness or imbalances that are occurring behind the scenes. 

In this sense it is easy to down play and trivialise the symptoms of illness. Symptoms don’t always come on suddenly, and the slow progression of symptoms can mean that we become accustomed to them as feeling normal. 

 Many diseases and ailments have the same symptoms! 

Symptoms of fatigue, nausea, dizziness appear in almost all conditions, some of which temporary and harmless and some severe and urgent. Here you need to follow your instincts.

What is your inner voice saying?

Where are those concerns coming from and how pressing are those concerns?

You are in charge, and your instincts are your best guide. If it doesn’t feel right, if that diagnosis doesn’t sit well with you, push on and seek more answers. Don’t allow someone to brush you off if you feel unheard and unvalidated. Prioritise your health and follow up until you are getting the help you need. 

Evaluating symptoms is truly an art form which takes time and patience. Natural health/Naturopathic practitioners will use very long consults to ensure they have heard, and specifically understood the experience of a patient so that they can pinpoint the cause of symptoms. This will include a time line of your life, significant health and emotional events, seemingly unrelated signs and symptoms, and thorough questioning. Obviously the medical system is very different, and time constraints prevail.

At some point people will need to see a medical GP, possibly a specialist, and sometimes some may need to present to an emergency department. It is important to communicate the facts in a language that doctors will understand at these times. This is not always as easy as it sounds. 

 Preparing for your appointment with a Medical Professional

1. Before hand keep a journal noting: 

• the nature of symptoms 

• triggers

• timing and length of time that symptoms last

• things which may ease symptoms

• how long you have had this and whether it is becoming worse, better or staying the same

• whether your symptoms have a cyclic nature (certain days of the month, certain seasons are worse, certain times of the day, coinciding with certain activities)

• details around the symptoms (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, breathing, anything which seems relevant that you can measure yourself

 2. Summarise your notes as follows:

• I am concerned by these symptoms because ….

• I experience these symptoms ? x per week, or ? x per day (whatever the case may be)

• And have done since……

• However in the last few months things have changed (in what way)

• When I have the symptoms I note (heart rate? etc.)

 Don’t forget to tell the practitioner if your symptoms impact your quality of life or your ability to do daily tasks and activities. 

 3. Remember to be clear about what you require from your practitioner. Don’t be afraid to ask:

• “Why am I having these symptoms?”

• “How do I manage this condition when symptoms are bad?” 

• “What should I do if things get worse?”

• “What are your thoughts around possible causes?”

• “What should I do in the meantime?”

• “When should I arrange to see you for a follow up?"

 A good practitioner (no matter who or what their title) will see you as a person requiring help, and will do what it takes to determine the cause of your symptoms. If you don’t get this service, then push for it, or continue on with a new practitioner. 

 Hope this is helpful 

[woodsnaturopathy]

Break up with Processed Food!

All bad relationships are hard to break. And like any toxic relationship in your life, this is also one worth doing. Let’s face it, you owe it to yourself. Processed foods come with a whole lot of baggage that you simply don’t want to take on, and this includes most of those packaged foods in the ‘health’ aisle.

What baggage?

High fructose corn syrup (and all its known alias’) triggers a chain reaction in your body leading to fatty liver disease, cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, as can high dietary amounts of fructose.

Artificial Trans saturated fats (hydrogenated fats) increase your body’s harmful (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels, thereby increasing cardiovascular risks. In addition these artificial fats increase inflammation in the body, cause damage to the inner lining of blood vessels, and are thought to increase risks for cancers.

And if this wasn’t enough ‘baggage’, processed foods can contain dozens of artificial chemicals need no explanation. Put simply, they do not belong in your body and can have numerous ill health effects, physically and mentally.

1. Fall in love with Fruit and Vegetables.

Say yes to 5 to 7 serves of vegetables per day. Set yourself a goal and try this for a week. You will love the way your body feels on this! And it's not as hard as it sounds with a little forward planning. 

Some tips:

cook extra veg at dinner time for a mid morning or afternoon snack 

chop a salad/raw veg to snack on in the afternoons at that crazy hunger time

pimp your sandwiches/breakfasts/snacks with things like sprouts, radish, edamame, kale, sauerkraut, mushrooms, beetroot

grate and chop a large container of salad at the start of the week, for a daily lunch base. You can add any protein to this base (dinner leftovers, tuna, nuts and seeds, pesto, feta)

cook a large pot of nutritious vegetable soup to freeze in small containers

 2. Shop at the butcher, green grocer and deli.

If you find it hard to resist the impulse buying sections of the supermarket, or if you fall for false health claims on those packaged foods, aim to avoid the supermarket wherever possible.

It doesn't have to be expensive. Look around for a bulk whole foods store such as The Source. And remember more often than not, a pantry and freezer full of processed ready to eat foods cost far more than whole foods!

 3. Capture pockets of time.

I hear you! Where to find the time to make food from scratch? There are a few tips which help a little:

Double cook. Standing at the stove making dinner? Whip up a batch of home made muffins and chuck them in the oven at the same time

Cook extra largest meal times and freeze leftovers or pack them for lunches

Design some easy peasy meals for when you are busy or tired. They can be just as quick as heating that processed meal. Maybe it's some pasta with some broccolini, beans and kale thrown toward the end then add some cherry tomatoes a tin of tuna olive oil lemon and basil.

 4. Get onto those ‘good’ recipes.

Not the ones with hours of labour induced panic! But the no fuss, super speedy, two step recipes which just so happen to make really yummy and healthy snacks. 

 5. Lastly, taste and experience your food.

No seriously! When you eat take a moment to explore the texture of the food in your mouth, how it feels on your tongue, how it makes you feel as you're eating it. Conscious eating! Give it a try this week and at the end of the week you may see some more differences between real food and processed food. When consciously eating, I can guarantee you won’t be able to eat processed food. It simply won’t resemble food anymore.

 6. Oh wait, there's one more .....

Please drink water. Not the high sugar high fructose corn syrup and carcinogenic additives laiden can of drink sitting on the impulse buying shelf at the supermarket. Water is what your body needs.

[woodsnaturopathy]

PMS is not Necessary

The interplay of oestrogen and progesterone for women can have dramatic effects on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. When the two hormones shift out of harmony, they triggers PMS (Pre Menstrual Syndrome) symptoms that can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity of the imbalance. 

Are you finding you feel great for a few weeks of the month and then completely off your game for the other week? Or maybe even great for a week and then terrible for the remainder of the month? Understandably we all get frustrated when our dress size suddenly changes in the week prior to a period, or disheartened and unmotivated when plagued by inflammatory pain, heaviness and irritability. But believe me when I tell you that PMS is not necessary. You can toss out those old beliefs that say PMS is normal for women. We are certainly not destined to suffer these symptoms just purely because we are women. In fact, these symptoms are actually signals which your body uses to tell you there is an imbalance. A life without PMS is within easy reach!  

Identifying the Imbalance

Using PMS signs and symptoms to identify hormone and organ function can often be sufficient without requiring blood tests. However every case is different. A Naturopath will use this information collectively with whole body signs/symptoms to determine the triggers/contributing factors creating this hormone imbalance. Holistic health is integral to this process, as disruption to hormone balance can be caused by so many factors such as (but not limited to) stress, nutrient deficiencies, gut issues, inflammation, poor liver function, and more. 

PMS is not normal and you don’t need to suffer from PMS symptoms.

But PMS does give us a fantastic insight to your health status. By ‘categorising' your PMS (as in the chart below) and measuring the severity and timing of your symptoms each month, a treatment plan emerges to restore hormonal balance. 

Some of the issues I find when treating PMS are:

chronic mental/emotional/lifestyle stress

nutritional deficiencies

dietary imbalances

and at times, underlying endocrine organ insufficiencies. 

Do you know which type you are? Do you fall into more than one category?

PMS-A Anxiety

Anxiety, insomnia, irritability, palpitations, stress induced sweating, emotional temperament

PMS-C Craving

Sugar cravings, increased appetite, headache, hypoglycaemia, palpitations, excessive sweating

PMS-D Depression

Depression, hopelessness/despair, teariness, fatigue, insomnia, apathy, low libido

PMS-H Hyper-hydration

Swollen hands and feet, weight gain, bloating, fluid retention, breast swelling or tenderness, nipple sensitivity

Change your story, don't suffer PMS anymore. Use these signals as an opportunity to restore holistic wellness and be the best version of yourself!

For more information email [email protected]

[woodsnaturopathy]

Key to Happiness & Wellness: The Mind Gut Connection

More and more as a Naturopath I observe conditions that share an interesting trait. Conditions such as Fibromyalgia (chronic pain and fatigue disorder) that incorporate dual synchronised aspects. On one had the condition impacts emotional state and the mental outlook one has on the world. And on the other hand the emotional state of the person and their mental outlook is one driver of the condition. Of course there are also physiological drivers for Fibromyalgia as well.

After having a history with Fibromyalgia myself I know first hand the experience of these aspects simultaneously, and how each can influence the other. And this is why Naturopathically, and holistically we work on the mind, body and spirit together to achieve wellness. 

The Mind Gut Connection

As we continue to learn, as a race scientifically, about the human body we increasingly discover more connections between the mental and physical. Gut health is one of those areas where science is catching up on what traditional healers have understood, and we are now discovering in detail how this connection exists. We know the health of the gut, and it's bacteria make up influence the mind, emotions and thoughts. And equally the mind, emotions and thoughts will influence the micro biome and function of the gut/digestion. 

How empowering it is when we realise that our bodies are a complex interplay of quantum energy and biology all synchronised beautifully, if not painfully at times. And to understand that our health relies upon ourselves, not our practitioners, the government, our genes, society, it is the energy we use ourselves that create our wellness. How exciting it is to understand that we have so much more to learn about the relationship of our minds and bodies. 

What is the Microbiome?

The microbiome is your individual ‘farm’ of good and bad bacteria, living in your digestive tract, a result of what was passed down to you from your mother, what has been planted, and what has been fed along the course of your life. The microbiome is the harmonious relationships of these bacterias (good and bad) and how they affect the growth/additions of other symbiotic bacterias.

The microbiome is essential to an effective yet balanced immune system, strong digestive function, healthy metabolism, optimal nutrient absorption, and positive cognitive and emotional wellbeing. 

Did you know our brains are actually influenced by the bacteria in the digestive tract? For example, bifidobacterium are capable of secreting large amounts of GABA; a neurotransmitter that supports relaxation and sleep. In addition, lactobacillus species of gut bacteria have been shown to influence GABA levels in certain brain regions. Together they can have a significant impact on our nervous system, stress responses, mood and sleep.

Poor vitamin status and an imbalanced microbiome affects many of our neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), reducing the way they bind to receptors, thereby altering the communication network in the body. What does this mean? One example is serotonin; our ‘happy’ neurotransmitter. Many of the serotonin receptors are located in the gut, so gut dysfunction (often resulting from poor nutrition/imbalanced microbiome) reduces the ability for serotonin to connect (bind) to these receptors. In this way, gut health has a direct impact on mood, and mood will then directly impact gut function. The vicious circle that is Irritable Bowel Syndrome. 

Animal studies have shown that induced states of dysbiosis (imbalance of bad bacteria to good bacteria in the gut) can promote anxiety behaviours and cognitive dysfunction. And on the other hand, we know that psychological stress itself can lead to dysbiosis. This relationship between the mind and the gut is so integral to our wellbeing, and involves a holistic approach via both the mental and physical.

How are Intolerances Significant?

This is a big topic, but I’ll use gluten as an example. For those sensitive to gluten, its intake can decrease blood flow to the frontal and prefrontal cortex of the brain effecting neruotransmitter levels, focus, stress management, organisation and short term memory. 

It’s true, not all people who avoid gluten are coeliacs, but some people who aren’t coeliac can still be intolerant. The intolerance of gluten can present in many ways, not always noticeable in gut symptoms. Many will experience increased inflammation, or mixed messages in the body that can lead to autoimmune flare ups, increased stress / anxiety, mental fogginess, headaches, and pain. The mind gut connection is strong and so heavily influenced by the food we eat. 

What Else Can Alter Our Microbiome? 

Water/hydration

Nutritional status

Environmental toxins, including heavy metals

Stress, Anxiety, Depression

Medications and antibiotics

Drugs, Alcohol, Food Additives, Preservatives, ingested toxins

Lack of movement and exercise

Lack of sunlight

Inflammation

In establishing a healthy lifestyle, some questions come to mind…..

What impacts the food choices you make? Or the length of time you spend on a wellbeing initiative?

What causes you to stumble along the way, to give up on a fitness program?

What raises your stress levels, causing your body to burn through extra amounts of essential nutrients?

What causes your uneasy emotions, that all but debilitate your digestive processes?

What causes you to crave certain foods?

Stress is one of the most prominent aggravators on health in current society. Taking control of your thoughts is a huge step in, not only reducing stress, but establishing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

My advice is to listen. Tune in to you, and truly listen. Your body is communicating all the time with your mind in so many ways (and vice versa). Once you hear what is being conveyed in these messages you can correct make empowered changes to your internal dialogue. If you are being hard on yourself, replace that dialogue with things like: “I am worthy”. “Let it go”. “I’m loved”. “I am successful”. And many more which you know you need to hear. 

And remember if you are embarking on a wellness journey, it all starts in the mind and gut. Equally, what you are thinking will impact your success, and the health of your gut will impact your thoughts and abilities. Any factors that impact the gut such as parasites, yeast, dysbiosis, leaky gut, IBS, diet simply must be addressed in order to achieve success.

And lastly, please consciously feed your microbiome! The good bacteria in your tummy does not eat processed foods. It only eats fibre, pre-biotics, fermented foods, natural, nutritional foods that are all too scarce in the modern diet. If you’re not feeling full, you need to ask yourself, have you fed your microbiome the right food? It may still be starving! If, at every meal, you are feeding your microbiome, you will be moving ahead towards wellness in leaps and bounds.

Hopefully in some ways this has been helpful. Natural health practitioners see you holistically and treat accordingly. For more information on how Naturopathy can work for you, email me at [email protected]  

[woodsnaturopathy]

Do I have Leaky Gut?

Leaky Gut is the term used to describe a weakened and compromised intestinal bowel wall. In a healthy gut, the bowel wall is made up of cells held tightly together. And it is these tight bonds which ensure that digested toxins and nutritional products can not escape through the bowel wall and into the interstitial fluid. These toxins make their way through into the bloodstream where they are circulated.

Why is that a concern? All kinds of havoc is caused by circulating toxins. Inflammation rises, the immune system (for many) is thrown into an over riding mode (attacking the body’s own tissues instead), anxiety, mood changes, stress, fogginess, skin conditions, hormonal disruptions are all some of the many ways circulating toxins impair our health.

Feeling toxic? This subsequent increased toxicity has a significant impact on many health conditions, but it is especially problematic for those who suffer allergies and intolerances. This includes any immune dysregulation and autoimmune conditions (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Thyroid conditions, Endometriosis, Asthma), skin conditions, low energy and compromised detoxification systems.

These toxins can cause a cascade of reactions involving your autonomic nervous system and immune system. Eventually this can trigger the body to become more reactive to seemingly harmless foods, smells, products, contributing to intolerance, allergies, IBS and more.

And at the end of all of this, the liver is left to fight an ever increasing battle to remove the increased amount of toxins from the blood stream and detoxify the body, which can leave it encumbered.

What causes Leaky Gut?

Leaky Gut often can develop from consuming foods which you are intolerant / allergic to, which can irritate the bowel wall, compromising the mucus membrane layer which protects it. And as we have seen, Leaky Gut can also contribute to increasing intolerances and allergies. It certainly is a vicious circle, that involves a targeted strategy to resolve.

Leaky Gut can also develop following periods of overconsumption of alcohol, medications such as NSAIDs (aspirin type medication), stress and poor diet. All being a common factor in the busy lives of many in society currently. How many of these factors can you tick? Are you suffering symptoms? Are you finding you are harnessing the energy and vitality that you should be from your meals? Or are you even more tired after meal times?

How can this be rectified?

Repairing the bowel wall takes some time and effort, but it is of utmost importance for optimal health and wellness, energy and vitality, physical and emotional health. The first step is to take a break from the aggravating or contributing factors and irritating foods, thus paving the way for repair to occur.

There are some fantastic Naturopathic products designed for Leaky Gut. These formulas reduce inflammation in the bowel, soothe and heal injury to the bowel wall, provide the specific nutrients required to fuel the enterocytes (bowel wall cells) so they can flourish and function well, and repair the integrity and structure of the bowel wall. Treatment will include specific pre biotic foods, probiotic formulas and soothing fibre and must be tailored to your individual requirements.

One key element to this process, and for preventing leaky gut in the future, is to support and maintain a healthy mucus membrane layer. This ‘mucus’ layer protects the bowel wall from injury and insult and ensures everything moves easily southward and can be expelled. Did you know that this mucus membrane layer (in the bowel) is connected to, and no different to that which is in your sinuses and respiratory system? Not only does it serve as a huge component of your immune defences (keeping bugs and viruses out), but clearly shows the relationship between the gut and allergies/immune function. Don’t wait until sinus seasons to treat your allergies. Start as soon as possible with gut health to ensure you reduce your allergic potential before the triggers arrive.

We hear it so much, but it is so true, healing starts in the gut. With a condition like leaky bowel left unmanaged, we impede the treatment of any other condition. 

 For more information or to discuss how Naturopathy can help you, email [email protected] and request a call back.

[woodsnaturopathy]

What is "Inflammaging"?

It maybe the cool new slang word in health right now. This term describes the discovery that ageing is accompanied by a low grade chronic increase in inflammatory responses, and the greater the underlying inflammation, the faster the ageing process.

This may just explain things such as why those who are not overweight can still have serious health consequences from inflammation, such as heart disease and Diabetes.

Inflammaging specifically refers to the constant, chronic cascade of processes which result in ongoing low grade systemic inflammation in the absence of active infection, leading to the subsequent increased ageing process.

Chronic Inflammation is ever present in cardiovascular disease, autoimmune diseases and psoriasis, infections, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, diabetes and metabolic imbalances, anaemia, and more, and is a major risk factor for both morbidity and mortality in the elderly. In fact, most if not all age related diseases are fuelled or instigated by inflammation.

In addition, overwhelming evidence has shown that even a mild state of inflammation is associated with altered body composition, compromised energy production and utilisation (mitochondrial function), decreased metabolism, weakened immunity and degrading neuronal health.

Why is Chronic Inflammation worse than Acute Inflammation?

Acute Inflammation is the beneficial short term immune response which the body utilises to protect and repair from traumatic tissue injury, or invading pathogen.

Chronic Inflammation is different in that it is persistent, low grade but results in tissue degeneration rather than repair.

What can cause Chronic Inflammation?

Persistent exposure to pathogens/infection causing ongoing production of leukocytes.

Autoimmune reactions (whether by genetic potential or damaged cells) which cause immune cells to activate, increasing production of inflammatory cytokines.

Weakened ability of the body to remove wastes and debris causing a subsequent increase in free radicals and an 'attack' signalling to the immune system.

Increase in toxicity by way of compromised detoxification pathways in the liver, or the very common altered gut microbiota and leaky gut wall which causes the re-circulation of wastes back into the blood stream. These toxins and wastes again trigger the immune-inflammatory cascade of reactions.

Infection and activation of viruses such as EBV that can be associated with accelerated ageing and increased deterioration of the immune system, showing as a loss of immune/antigen memory, surveillance, and overactive innate immune responses.

Want to down regulate chronic inflammation in your body?

It is essential to identify any underlying causes/triggers

Fish oils are backed by highly reputable evidence in this area

Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet as opposed to a pro-inflammatory one. This will make a dramatic. long lasting and life changing difference

Support and maintain a healthy digestive environment and gut function (addressing dysbiosis/leaky gut/IBS)

Embrace a truly holistic approach to condition management and healing. It's all connected baby!

Seek support with nutrient and herbal remedies that have proven efficacy in reducing chronic inflammation.

Need I say.....stress management.

Want to discuss further or have any questions? Contact me here anytime

[woodsnaturopathy]

How is Stress Influencing Your Hormones

Pure and simple, Stress impacts your hormones.

And the reasons why will astound you. On the surface we all can appreciate that stress generally will impact your sense of well being and ability to function at your best. But under the surface there is so much more going on at times of turmoil.

Stress increases Cortisol and Adrenalin.

These Adrenal hormones are produced via the Hypothalamus, Pituitary and Adrenal pathway. And by doing so, two adjacent hormone producing pathways are effected due to their tightly bound relationship.

The Thyroid hormones (produced via Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Thyroid pathway) and Ovarian hormones (produced via Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Ovarian pathway) are both significantly imbalanced.

Certainly makes sense right? There’s another way to look at it. When your body is in ‘fight/flight’ mode (with stress) it quite literally thinks you are fighting for survival based on our primal instincts, even though you may not actually be running from a lion!

So, in this survival mode, your body switches off all non essential functions such as reproduction. Sounds obvious, what animal will produce offspring when fighting for survival.

Symptoms of Chronic Stress / Increased Cortisol

Increased fat accumulation around the abdomen

Increased waist to hip ratio

Elevated blood pressure

Loss of muscle mass

Muscle Pain

Depression

Difficulty with concentration and memory

Fatigue

Insulin Resistance

Poor exercise tolerance

Elevated inflammation

Increased cholesterol

Plus:

Low Progesterone / Estrogen Dominance

PMS / Heavy Bleeding / Absence of Period / Reduced Fertility

Hypothyroid Symptoms (hair loss, skin changes, weight gain, extreme fogginess)

Relevance of Stress in Menopause

Balanced Adrenal Hormones are of so much importance in Menopause, and especially in Perimenopause. In fact, as you age in your 40s you want to ensure there is balance here, because the upcoming journey into Menopause will be determined by how much impact is placed on the Ovarian pathway.

With excess Cortisol, estrogen and progesterone will be way out of balance. For example, the body uses the same 'building blocks' to make cortisol as it does to make progesterone, and will sacrifice progesterone in the process.

In consultation a Naturopath will measure your stage of adrenal disruption and support accordingly, whilst balancing other hormone pathways to ease symptoms. Recovery though, is in your hands, as it relies on healing those stress triggers.

For many (if not all) adrenal disruption is fuelled by learnt behaviour that leaves us with inappropriate and excessive stress responses to events. Where did this originate for you?

Can you go back and reset those thought processes?

Absolutely! Real healing involves work on the mind, body and soul.

[woodsnaturopathy]

Solving Adult Acne, Easier Than You Think

Just as relevant for adults experiencing Acne for the first time or as a ‘re-run’ later in life, there are many manageable contributing factors causing Acne. Unraveling the red, inflamed cascade of events that cause pimples is not as difficult as you would imagine.

Dairy and Glycemic Load

Consuming high amounts of dairy and sugar cause acne in the following ways:

Triggers Hyperinsulinemia & increased insulin growth factor

This in turn cause an increased production of androgen hormones and sebum

In addition a decrease of 'insulin growth factor binding protein' which controls the growth of cells in the skin

The result of which, stimulates increased cellular growth also leading to acne.

Gut Health

As someone once told me; 'skin is a window into your intestines'. Several aspects of poor gut health will contribute to ongoing acne, such as:

Low hydrochloric acid (in the stomach) level impairs the proper digestion of food which results in a build up of bacteria in the small intestine.

SIBO (or small intestine bacterial overgrowth) produces toxic metabolites that steal your vitamins and injure cells in the bowel wall.

Leaky Gut enables toxins (meant for excretion) to venture into the blood system.

Imbalanced beneficial bacterias in the microbiome allow an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

All of which lead to increased bacteria and toxins on the skin.

Inflammation

You may have heard, chronic inflammation is the driver of all chronic conditions, diseases and poor ageing. Yep, aboslutely correct!

One of the simplest strategies you can use for any condition is to remove the underlying inflammation to provide some relief to symptoms.

You can see inflammation in action in acne characterised by red, swollen and even hot lesions. Generally imbalances in diet put the body in an inflammatory state.

Consume more omega 3s than omega 6 foods.

Increase fresh antioxidant foods.

Avoid trans and saturated fats, but consume those healthy omega 3 fats and essential fatty acids.

Plenty of water, stress management and quality sleep go a long way to prevent inflammation.

As does the avoidance of foods to which you are allergic or intolerant.

But the big factor to consider is gut health. As we discussed above, poor gut health and digestion will result in microbes, bacterial overgrowth and the leaking of endotoxins into the blood stream, all of which ramps up systemic inflammation.

Hormones and Liver Clearance

For more resistant and long lasting acne cases (or those with 'cyclic' flares of acne), it is important to evaluate endocrine function. Imbalances in Androgen, Progesterone, Estrogen, Steroid Hormones (Glucocorticoids) and Pituitary Hormones can cause acne that doesn’t respond to diet and gut therapies.

But in general, enhancing liver function will ensure that hormones are adequately cleared from the body via normal pathways once broken down for removal supporting skin health. And addressing any imbalances such as Estrogen Dominance, Progesterone deficiency, Androgen excess, will resolve those hormone driven skin issues.

Growth & Repair

Enjoy a diet high in:

Vitamin A to support skin immunity, skin cell growth and repair, skin hydration

Vitamin C for formation of collagen & reduce histamine

Vitamin E to reduce oxidants & inflammation

Selenium for detoxification

Zinc to reduce inflammation & assist healing

Probiotics to balance immune & inflammation

Omega 3 to reduce inflammation & help repair - Quercetin reduces histamine & inflammation

Antioxidants to decrease toxins & oxidative stress which can aggravate skin

Fibre to decrease blood glucose & toxins

Nutrient Food Sources

Vitamin A Carrots, sweet potato, kale, spinach, pumpkin, capsicum, rockmelon

Vitamin C Berries, broccoli, kiwi fruit, pawpaw, oranges, capsicum, cherries

Vitamin D Cod liver oil, egg, sprouted seeds Vitamin E Avocado, almonds, safflower, egg, corn, nuts & seeds

Selenium Shrimp, tuna, beef, turkey, sunflower seeds, shiitaki mushrooms, brazil nuts, lentils, pulses

Zinc Scallops,shrimp,greenpeas,pumpkin& sesame seeds, oats, cashews, egg Omega 3 Fish, walnuts, pecans, flaxseed & chia seed oil, pumpkin, chia, flax, sesame seeds

[woodsnaturopathy]

Almond milk coffee lovers, heads up, word on the street is a shortage coming! Popularity of a leading brand means they aren't keeping up. (and no I'm definitely NOT referring to almond breeze 😫 So thankful for cafes like The Little Elephant for their home made almond milk! Yum How to make fresh organic almond milk. So easy you won't believe it! - Soak 1/2 cup almonds in 2 cups water with a touch of salt. Refrigerate overnight - Blend with half tsp rice syrup (optional, I don't find it's needed) - Strain through muslin or a fine strainer Use the left over almond meal in baking! Yum Other than home made (can't be beat!) what's your favourite brand of Almond Milk? #dairyalternatives #healthytastesbetter #supportlocalbusiness #highetthealthandwellness #highettnaturopath #healthbenefitsofalmondmilk (at The Little Elephant)

[woodsnaturopathy]

Winter Glow

Winter is no reason to lose your spark, and your skin should be no different. Aside from topical treatments there are so many ‘essential’ nutrients you need in winter.

You can avoid recurrent colds, flus, and illness this winter by ensuring you have optimal levels of Vitamin D, Iron and Zinc. Without these all other attempts to avoid illness will fail.

Second to that your Adrenal glands and Gut must be functioning well. What does this mean? Well the Adrenal glands make natural steroids and energy. When they are fatigued (from stress, increased demand, trauma, illness) your immune defences will be lost. Not to mention the extreme fatigue that comes with that.

And what does it mean to have a healthy gut? It means the GALT (immune cells in your gut) will provide protection from illness. A healthy gut does not have Dysbiosis (imbalance of yeasts/bad bacteria) or a leaky gut wall (allowing toxins to leach into the bloodstream). These issues must be rectified to achieve immune and skin health.

Cracked Mouth Corners

Look to B vitamins, especially B2, Folic acid, B12. Also assess iron stores and B12 to rule out deficiency.

A sign like this would warrant supplementation, especially if there are other deficiency signs.

Eczema

There are many factors to consider in Eczema.

Some areas to address are:

Stress

Allergy/Intolerance (Diet)

Mould Exposure

Deficiency of Omega 3, Zinc, Vitamin D, Biotin

Leaky Gut and Dysbiosis

Topical Allergens

Book a Topical Skin Treatment

Dry Skin

The skin is reflecting what is hopping inside the body. Dry skin means dry gut and a lack of fat soluble (hydrating) vitamins.

Increasing Vitamin A, and essential fatty acids will provide that moisture.

Add more nuts, seeds, fish, olive & chia seed oils, orange fruit and veg, leafy green veg.

Dandruff

With a dry and flakey scalp there are a number of possibly deficiencies.

Zinc - Seafood, beef, baked beans, pepitas, peas, kidney beans, chicken.

Biotin - eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts sweet potatoes. leafy green veg, banana, oatmeal

Magnesium - Nuts and seeds, cereal, whole grains, brown rice, avocado, spinach.

How About an Immune Boosting Diet

•Bone Broth: gut healing & immune support

•Garlic, Ginger & Onion: anti-inflammatory & antibacterial

•Quercetin rich foods (dark cherries, dark berries, sage, apples, raw cacao, dill): dissolves mucous, anti-histamine

•Coconut oil: antibacterial & anti-fungal

•Cod liver oil: provides vitamin A and D for immune support

•Zinc (peas, pumpkin seeds, seafood, sesame seeds, kidney beans, beef, cashews, mushrooms) immune support

•Vitamin C & bioflavonoids: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant & faster recovery

•Reduce mucous forming foods such as dairy, wheat, peanuts, corn.

[woodsnaturopathy]

Solving Adult Acne, Easier Than You Think

Just as relevant for adults experiencing Acne for the first time or as a ‘re-run’ later in life, there are many manageable contributing factors causing Acne. Unraveling the red, inflamed cascade of events that cause pimples is not as difficult as you would imagine.

Dairy and Glycemic Load

Consuming high amounts of dairy and sugar cause acne in the following ways:

Triggers Hyperinsulinemia & increased insulin growth factor

This in turn cause an increased production of androgen hormones and sebum

In addition a decrease of 'insulin growth factor binding protein' which controls the growth of cells in the skin

The result of which, stimulates increased cellular growth also leading to acne.

Gut Health

As someone once told me; 'skin is a window into your intestines'. Several aspects of poor gut health will contribute to ongoing acne, such as:

Low hydrochloric acid (in the stomach) level impairs the proper digestion of food which results in a build up of bacteria in the small intestine.

SIBO (or small intestine bacterial overgrowth) produces toxic metabolites that steal your vitamins and injure cells in the bowel wall.

Leaky Gut enables toxins (meant for excretion) to venture into the blood system.

Imbalanced beneficial bacterias in the microbiome allow an overgrowth of harmful bacteria.

All of which lead to increased bacteria and toxins on the skin.

Inflammation

You may have heard, chronic inflammation is the driver of all chronic conditions, diseases and poor ageing. Yep, aboslutely correct!

One of the simplest strategies you can use for any condition is to remove the underlying inflammation to provide some relief to symptoms.

You can see inflammation in action in acne characterised by red, swollen and even hot lesions. Generally imbalances in diet put the body in an inflammatory state.

Consume more omega 3s than omega 6 foods.

Increase fresh antioxidant foods.

Avoid trans and saturated fats, but consume those healthy omega 3 fats and essential fatty acids.

Plenty of water, stress management and quality sleep go a long way to prevent inflammation.

As does the avoidance of foods to which you are allergic or intolerant.

But the big factor to consider is gut health. As we discussed above, poor gut health and digestion will result in microbes, bacterial overgrowth and the leaking of endotoxins into the blood stream, all of which ramps up systemic inflammation.

Hormones and Liver Clearance

For more resistant and long lasting acne cases (or those with 'cyclic' flares of acne), it is important to evaluate endocrine function. Imbalances in Androgen, Progesterone, Estrogen, Steroid Hormones (Glucocorticoids) and Pituitary Hormones can cause acne that doesn’t respond to diet and gut therapies.

But in general, enhancing liver function will ensure that hormones are adequately cleared from the body via normal pathways once broken down for removal supporting skin health. And addressing any imbalances such as Estrogen Dominance, Progesterone deficiency, Androgen excess, will resolve those hormone driven skin issues.

Growth & Repair

Enjoy a diet high in:

Vitamin A to support skin immunity, skin cell growth and repair, skin hydration

Vitamin C for formation of collagen & reduce histamine

Vitamin E to reduce oxidants & inflammation

Selenium for detoxification

Zinc to reduce inflammation & assist healing

Probiotics to balance immune & inflammation

Omega 3 to reduce inflammation & help repair - Quercetin reduces histamine & inflammation

Antioxidants to decrease toxins & oxidative stress which can aggravate skin

Fibre to decrease blood glucose & toxins

Nutrient Food Sources

Vitamin A Carrots, sweet potato, kale, spinach, pumpkin, capsicum, rockmelon

Vitamin C Berries, broccoli, kiwi fruit, pawpaw, oranges, capsicum, cherries

Vitamin D Cod liver oil, egg, sprouted seeds Vitamin E Avocado, almonds, safflower, egg, corn, nuts & seeds

Selenium Shrimp, tuna, beef, turkey, sunflower seeds, shiitaki mushrooms, brazil nuts, lentils, pulses

Zinc Scallops,shrimp,greenpeas,pumpkin& sesame seeds, oats, cashews, egg Omega 3 Fish, walnuts, pecans, flaxseed & chia seed oil, pumpkin, chia, flax, sesame seeds

[woodsnaturopathy]

Healing mantra 🍃💜 #holistichealth #beautyisnotskindeep #innerpeace🙏 #evolvinghealth (at Glo Dermaclinical on Highett)

[woodsnaturopathy]

Have you wondered why herbal medicines are so effective? It’s because each herb possesses multiple healing properties that not only treat the direct ailment, but also strengthen surrounding tissues and organs to make them resilient to repeat infections/injury/etc. Herbs are matched to the individual and ailment on a physical and energetic level and are mixed to give a powerful synergistic effect with theses physical and energetic properties. #treatthepersonnotthedisease #holistichealth #highettnaturopath #complimentarymedicine #alternativetherapies (at Glo Dermaclinical on Highett)

[woodsnaturopathy]

What is Inflammaging

It maybe the cool new slang word in health right now. This term describes the discovery that ageing is accompanied by a low grade chronic increase in inflammato...

[woodsnaturopathy]

Lovely fennel, so comforting and soothing on the gut. Carminative and digestive. 💚#oneofmyfave #guthealing #itallstartsinthegut #foodasmedicine #holistichealth #highettnaturopath #herbalist #eatyourherbs #pimpyourmeal #naturesgoodness #healingfromthegarden (at Glo Dermaclinical on Highett)