Articles

Yeast Overgrowth

Overgrowth of yeast in the gastrointestinal tract may be associated with symptoms such as chronic fatigue, low energy, bloating, gas, frequent bladder infections, depression, poor concentration, allergies, poor immune function and cravings for carbohydrate or yeast foods.

Usually yeast (Candida albicans) lives happily in the crevices of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). If this yeast overgrows the intestinal tract lining is damaged where the yeast cells are absorbed into other areas of the body and blood. Studies have shown yeast can escape from the GIT and reach the bloodstream. If the intestinal mucosal barrier (of the GIT) is disrupted the yeast can break through the intestinal mucosal barrier, damaging the layers of the intestinal epithelial and cause candidiasis.

Osteoporosis

by Alison Bowler

What is osteoporosis? How is it diagnosed?
Osteoporosis is a common bone disorder seen especially in the aging population and post-menopausal women. However, it is becoming more common in younger women and older men. Osteoporosis results from an imbalance in the natural process of bone remodelling – a continuous cycle for bone formation and bone resorption (bone breakdown). Osteoporosis is where a reduction in the bone density and degeneration of bone structure causing bone weakness and increasing the risk of fracture. Reduced bone mineral mass is the major contribution factor to osteoporotic fractures. Bone mineral density (BMD) determines bone strength and is a common measured quality of bone. The DEXA scan is the optimal method for an osteoporosis diagnosis using bone densitometry. It is defined as a BMD T-score less than or equal to -2.5 at total hip, femoral neck or lumbar spine in postmenopausal women or men over 50 years. Presence of fracture is also a clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis. Unfortunately, some people only discover they have osteoporosis until they have back pain or a fracture. A BMD DEXA scan may need to be discussed next time you visit your GP for a checkup. As a naturopath, prevention is the key.

Colds and Flu – Your Immune System

by Alison Bowler

Arm yourself with the tools you need to boost your immune function and help fight against illness such as colds and flu.

Key nutrients for a strong immune system include citrus fruits of all kinds which are rich in vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that plays a key role in the mobilisation of your immune system defences. However, vitamin C is not the only nutrient beneficial to your immune system. Zinc is another powerful immune system supporter, found in meat, eggs, seafood, nuts and seeds. Zinc helps infection-fighting white blood cells to be deployed at the first sign of a disease-causing invader, such as a virus or bacteria. These two nutrients form an essential immune system foundation to help reduce the incidence and severity of colds and infections.

Pyrroles, Leaky Gut and Nutrient Deficiencies

by Alison Bowler

Pyrroles is also known as pyrrole disorder, kryptopyrrole, pyroluria, or Mauve Factor where urinary pyrrole concentrations known as HPL (hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one) are elevated and associated nutrient deficiencies such as zinc, vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Pyrroles is an abnormal metabolism of haemoglobin (oxygen-carrying pigment of the red blood cells). HPL when excreted (via urine) takes these vital nutrients with them – like “stripping” them from the body resulting in deficiencies. Elevated HPL is also found to be associated with high unbound copper levels which has been shown to be neurotoxic.

Anxiety

by Alison Bowler

Anxiety for some people can be uncomfortable feelings when faced with simple everyday situations. If you or someone you know avoids social gatherings, work meetings or confrontations, due to anxiety, then don’t ignore these feelings and make an appointment today.

Physical and Emotional Symptoms of Anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can be very unsettling. Your heart rate increases, your mind races and you can no longer think straight. Everyone experiences anxiety a bit differently, there are some more common symptoms to look out for.

Gut Health

by Alison Bowler

What is in your gut?

The nutrients for your body are absorbed in your gut to support a healthy digestive system which influences your overall health. Nearly 2kg of bacteria reside in your gut! Billions of micro-organisms live and grow in your gut which is known as the ‘microbiota’ or the ‘microbiome’. These beneficial bacteria encourage healthy digestion and support an efficient immune system, keeping any undesirable bacteria at minimal levels. If the numbers of undesirable bacteria begin to outweigh the beneficial bacteria this can lead to digestive symptoms such as constipation, wind and bloating or immune conditions such as recurrent infections, eczema and allergies. Rebalancing or maintaining a healthy microbiota in your gut can be achieved by supplementing with beneficial bacteria in the form of a ‘probiotic’. The term ‘probiotic’ means ‘for life’ so by looking after your gut microbiota you are looking after your overall health.