Naturopath Gold Coast

Yeast Overgrowth

by Alison Bowler

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.

Risk factors to yeast overgrowth include:

Low digestive secretions
Diet
Low immunity
Nutrient deficiencies
Antibiotics
Poor liver function
Imbalanced bowel flora

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and “leaky gut” can also be associated with yeast overgrowth.

A protocol for addressing yeast overgrowth may include diet, lifestyle strategies, optimising immune function, nutritionals, herbal medicine and intestinal microbiome balancing.

Yeast overgrowth can occur in anyone from children, teenagers, men or women.

Contact the clinic on 0402745706 or book online

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.

Symptoms:

Back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra
Gradual loss of height
Being stooped
A bone fracture that occurs much more easily than expected

Risk Factors

Age from 50 years
Female
Menopausal women
Premature menopause, surgical menopause
Smoker
Genetic Factors – Parental, family history of hip fracture, osteoporotic fractures
Long-term use of glucocorticoids
Rheumatoid arthritis
Alcohol intake (more than 2 per day)
Vitamin D deficiency
Low levels of physical activity
Cortisol excess
Osteopenia (decreased bone density but not an osteoporosis diagnosis)

Dietary Factors:

Low calcium and high phosphorus intake
High protein diet
Low protein diet
Diet high in acid ash
High salt intake
Trace mineral deficiencies
Sugar
Soft drinks
and….
Poor digestive function

Pathology Testing
Integrative pathology testing may be utilised with osteoporosis cases at ABee Health to identify deficiencies and to establish a focused targeted protocol.

Dietary and lifestyle recommendations together with personally formulated nutraceuticals such as minerals, herbs or phytochemicals to support and manage your osteoporosis diagnosis. As a naturopath, I can also recommend protocols to reduce your risks.
Contact Alison at ABee Health for an appointment for your individualised personal treatment protocol in my clinic.

Alison at ABee Health may cross refer to General Practitioners, Osteopaths, Chiropractors and Exercise Physiologists to achieve optimal care and results for my clients where required.

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.

Vitamin D also plays an important role in the overall function of your immune system, working behind the scenes to help ‘marshal’ your immune cells to the site of an infection. During winter your stores of vitamin D can decline as you spend more time indoors and less time soaking up the sunshine required to manufacture your own supply. Supplementing with this important vitamin can help maintain your infection-fighting capacity over the winter months. At ABee Health we use and recommend high quality, clinically effective immune-boosting nutrients at the correct dose to help you stay well this winter.

Vitamin D testing (blood spot or pathology lab) is available through ABee Health to monitor optimal levels of Vitamin D.

Looking after your immunity

Your gastrointestinal tract contains approximately 70% of your immune system, so ensuring your gut is populated with plenty of beneficial micro-organisms (‘good bugs’) is central to you maintaining optimal immune function. These beneficial bacteria or ‘probiotics’ are now understood to have very different health benefits depending upon their subset or ‘strain’, with certain specific strains able to support your immune system and help keep it in top form. Lactobacillus acidophilus (NCFM strain) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG and HN019 strains) in particular can reduce the incidence of respiratory infections that are common in winter.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Good Health

Busy people often forget to prioritise regular ‘down-time’, but the stress of being on the go all the time can significantly drain your immune function and leave you more susceptible to falling prey to any viruses you may come in contact with. Help yourself recharge by scheduling regular relaxation and ‘me time’ such as reading a good book, getting a massage, or perhaps a yoga class followed by a long soak in a warm bath. Ensuring you get sufficient sleep also enables your body to rest and repair, keeping you ready to fight whatever battles you may encounter tomorrow.

Prevention

Rather than succumbing to yet another cold or flu this year, help support your immune system and keep you enjoying what the winter season has to offer. Make an appointment or enquiry at ABee Health about how you can boost your infection-fighting capacity with high quality, clinically effective vitamin C, zinc, vitamin D, immune-boosting probiotics and practitioner prescribed and personally formulated herbal medicines.

Zinc and Vitamin D testing available.

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.

Symptoms and conditions which may be associated with high HPL (Pyrroles) levels:

ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)/learning disability
Schizophrenia
Depression
Autism
Epilepsy
Poor dream recall
Mild morning nausea/breakfast anorexia
Allergies – food allergy
Light, sound intolerance – background noises are distracting, irritating
Stress intolerance, low tolerance to stressful situations, poor stress control
Explosive anger
Anxiety
Nervousness
Mood swings
Severe inner tension
Bipolar disorder
Panic attacks
Familial or social withdrawal
Migraines, headaches
Easy bruising
Fatigue
Poor memory, difficulty concentrating
Gut symptoms – constipation
White flecks in fingernails
Elevated heavy metals
Predisposition – may be heritable (elevated family member indication for family-wide testing – defective enzymes may be associated with HPL).
Poor immune function, frequent colds, flu.
Family history of depression, anxiety, bipolar or schizophrenia.

Supplementation with zinc and vitamin B6 has been shown to reduce elevated HPL levels and improve behavioural symptoms. HPL accumulation has been linked to intestinal hyper-permeability (“leaky gut”).

HPL (Hydroxyhemopyrrolin-2-one)

Elevated urinary HPL is associated with oxidative stress (poor antioxidant function) which combines with the structure of vitamin B6 and zinc. These deficiencies may present for example as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) due to the neurological impairment caused. Excess copper increases due to zinc deficiency reducing glutathione (antioxidant) possibly causing hyperactive behaviour.

HPL (the oxidative stress organic pyrrole-containing molecule detected in urine) has been shown to be linked with genetic variations in micronutrient metabolism. HPL has a high affinity to the structure of vitamin B6 and zinc which causes a deficiency as it is excreted with urine. Vitamin B6 deficiency affects the enzymes involved in protein metabolism and is a cofactor for biochemical reactions such as the synthesis of neurotransmitters, serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid.

HPL accumulation can be associated with heme breakdown and altered heme biosynthesis. HPL is a metabolite of heme synthesis. Studies have suggested HPL is neurotoxic in humans and HPL is from the class of monopyrroles known for biotoxicity affecting the nervous system and neurotransmission. Elevated HPL has been shown to cause deficiencies of zinc, Vitamin B6 and biotin which are cofactors for heme synthesis.

Zinc and Copper

Zinc is a significant cofactor for metabolism of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers), prostaglandins, melatonin and affects dopamine metabolism. Zinc has antioxidant properties which protect proteins and enzymes from free radical damage (low antioxidant function). Zinc supplementation has been shown to improve the binding status of dopamine transporters. Zinc deficiency due to inadequate dietary intake, decreased absorption in the GIT and excessive losses inhibit the immune system where zinc is involved in the functioning of T cells, macrophages and natural killer cells (immune support cells). Immune function may be negatively affected with inadequate zinc levels.

Zinc acts in defence against copper by inhibiting absorption from the gastrointestinal tract however with zinc deficiency copper accumulates and can cause aggressive behaviour and hyperactivity. Excessive copper levels and copper-mediated neurotoxicity has been associated with oxidation (breaking down) of dopamine resulting in mental fatigue, hyperactivity and behavioural problems. Copper in excess is toxic and depletes glutathione increasing oxidative stress.

Low zinc levels may affect neurodevelopment, intellect and behaviour of children and adolescents. Zinc acts as a defence against copper by inhibiting its absorption from the GIT tract.

Pyrrole excretion can be an indication of heme breakdown due to emotional stress, oxidative stress or nutrient deficiencies. Heme is important for energy production and is required for detoxification and antioxidant defence. Low heme increases oxidative damage to cells. Lowered B6 is associated with low glutathione levels.

Pyrroles, Stress and the Gut

Elevated pyrroles has been related to gut issues such as intestinal bacterial overgrowth (“dysbiosis”) in human studies. Studies have shown correlation between elevated urinary pyrrole (HPL) and elevated urine indican levels. (Indican is an indicator of intestinal toxaemia and overgrowth of anaerobic bacteria). Indican is a product of bacterial tryptophan digestion while urobilinogen are products of intestinal bacteria that can build up if the liver is overburdened. Indican can also be an indicator of protein digestion efficiency. High indicans can present with symptoms such as insufficient gastric hydrochloric (HCL) acid, poor digestive enzymes, adverse food reactions, infections or bacterial overgrowth.

Elevated urinary pyrroles has been associated with other stress factors and can be an indicator of metabolic stress in the body. Stress related changes in intestinal permeability have shown to be associated with elevated HPL. Zinc deficiency is known to result in intestinal epithelial damage and increased permeability (“leaky gut”).

Studies have shown a reduction in vitamin C, vitamin B3 red blood cell, zinc and zinc to copper ratios with elevated pyrrole levels. Pyrrole excretion is a component of illness in general and is not strictly associated with psychiatric disorders. Pyrrole levels have shown to reduce in studies after prolonged supplementation therapy. Pyrrole disorder or pyroluria has been demonstrated to be an indicator of oxidative stress, infection, intoxication or poor digestion.

Deficiency of vitamin B6 and zinc deficiency, elevated free copper and elevated HPL has been associated with explosive anger. Vitamin B6 is needed by more than 100 enzymes associated with protein metabolism including neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and gamma-aminobutryic acid (GABA – helps relax and sleep). These deficiencies can lead to ADHD, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and mental illnesses.

Elevated HPL has also been associated with a deﬁciency of other micronutrients, including vitamin B6, P5P, zinc, biotin, manganese and GLA.

Enquire at your next consultation if you should be tested for elevated pyrroles (HPL), zinc: copper ratios, unbound copper or intestinal permeability.

Testing Costs:

Urinary Pyrroles (HPL) testing is $75 for lab test ($60 for pensioner/concession) plus $35 QML collection fee (results take approximately 7 days). This is a urine sample given at the lab (not at home) and is the second void of the morning. If this is the first time being tested zinc and vitamin B6 supplements need to cease two weeks prior to the test to ensure accuracy.
Pfeiffer Profile: (plasma zinc, serum copper, % free copper, zinc:copper ratio, ceruloplasmin, histamine, homocysteine, Vitamin D3 (see testing page). Fasting blood test (Results take 2-3 weeks).
These tests cannot be claimed via Medicare.

Further Testing:

After a pyrrole positive test, further blood tests are recommended to determine and measure zinc and copper imbalances known as the “pfeiffer protocol”.
The Pfeiffer testing determines the extent of these imbalances and helps guide treatment protocols and manage dosages.
Family members and siblings with similar symptoms due possible genetic predisposition are encouraged to undergo pyrrole testing.

Treatment:

Nutritional deficiencies and imbalances are addressed by supplementation together with dietary changes in conjunction with a health professional to reduce the HPL levels. Reduction of free unbound copper levels (where required) are also pivotal in treatment.
Lifestyle changes and recommendations are also combined with the pyrrole nutritional treatment protocol to address emotions such as stress, anger or low mood where required.

References:

Elbaz, F, Zahra, S & Hanafy, H 2017, ‘Original article: magnesium, zinc and copper estimation in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)’, Egyptian Journal of Medical Human Genetics, vol. 18, pp. 153-63.

Hambly, J, Francis, K, Khan, S, Gibbons, K, Walsh, W, Lambert, B, Testa, C & Haywood, A 2017, ‘Micronutrient therapy for violent and aggressive male youth: an open-label trial’, Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, vol. 1, pp. 1-10.

Heilskov Rytter, M, Andersen, L, Houmann, T, Bilenberg, N, Hvolby, A, Mølgaard, C, Michaelsen, K & Lauritzen, L 2015, ‘Diet in the treatment of ADHD in children – a systematic review of the literature’, Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, vol. 69, no. 1, pp. 1-18.

McGinnis, W, Audhya, T, Walsh, W, Jackson, J, McLaren-Howard, J, Lewis, A, Lauda, P, Bibus, D, Jurnak, F, Lietha, R & Hoffer, A 2008, ‘Discerning the mauve factor’, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 40-50.

Mikirova, N 2015, ‘Cross-sectional analysis of pyrroles in psychiatric disorders: association with nutritional and immunological markers’, Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, vol. 30, no. 1, pp. 25-31.

Viktorinova, A, Ursinyova, M, Trebaticka, J, Uhnakova, I, Durackova, Z & Masanova, V 2016, ‘Changed plasma levels of zinc and copper to zinc ratio and their possible associations with parent and teacher-rated symptoms in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder’, Biological Trace Element Research, vol. 169, no. 1, pp. 1-7.

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.

racing heart;
hot flushes, sweating and skin clamminess;
rapid breathing; and/or frequent gastrointestinal upsets.
feelings of excess worry, panic, fear or guilt;
obsessive thinking and behaviours; and/or
feeling generally tense and wound up.

If you can relate to any of the above this doesn’t have to be your everyday ‘normal’.

Breaking the Cycle

Herbal medicine can be used to help reduce anxiety and nervousness; improving your emotional resilience for example:

Passion flower – decreases that sense of ‘restlessness’ and can help settle nervous stomachs. It increases the calming neurotransmitters (brain chemicals), such as GABA; soothing a racing mind, decreasing tension and irritability.

Zizyphus – widely used in Chinese herbal formulas for its anxiolytic (anxiety reducing) properties; zizyphus is considered cooling, calming and another herb that’s effective for restlessness.

Strategies for Anxiety

These tips will lead to better overall wellbeing as well as helping you to manage stress and anxiety:

Connect with friends – keeping in touch with people maintains your support network;
Exercise (ideally outdoors) – regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress;
Choose healthy foods – consume protein at each meal and avoid refined and sugary foods. This can help balance your blood sugar levels, reducing mood imbalances and lessening anxiety;
Avoid caffeine – stimulants such as caffeine can exacerbate anxiety; and
Breathe! – if you start to feel panicky or anxious, focus on taking some slow, purposeful, deep breaths, helping you return to a state of calm. Meditation can also help to quieten your mind and instill calm.

Please also read the article “Pyrroles, Leaky Gut and Nutrient Deficiencies”.

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.

At ABee Health I can help you select the most appropriate probiotic for you by keeping the following criteria in mind:

Different strains of probiotic bacteria perform very different tasks within the body; therefore it’s important to consider ‘strain specificity’ and select a strain that will be up to the task.
Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM® and Bifidobacterium lactis Bi-07 are particular strains that have been shown to promote the regrowth of many species of beneficial bacteria within the gut.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG can assist with reducing eczema symptoms and diarrhoea.
Lactobacillus plantarum 299v is a specific strain researched to treat inflammatory bowel conditions such as medically diagnosed Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). By choosing a formula that features probiotic strains and doses based on clinical research you can be confident of getting great results.

Is less or more better?

Single strain formulas or those containing only a few strains do not promote a ‘monoculture’ of micro-organisms in the gut. Research has shown that strains such as L. acidophillus NCFM® and B. lactis Bi07 facilitate the regrowth of a diverse number of micro-organism colonies by altering the gastrointestinal environment to favour the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, which is what you want for a healthy gut. Therefore, it isn’t necessary to replace every strain of bacteria to achieve the best microbiota balance required for good health.

Get That Healthy Gut Feeling

Supporting an optimal balance of gut bacteria is key to achieving good digestive function along with overall health and wellbeing. At ABee Health I can advise you on the best probiotic formula to support your overall wellbeing based on your specific health needs, and can recommend high-quality, scientifically validated strains of probiotics.