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Category: Anxiety

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

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”.