Feed your Microbiome! Why is it so important?

If you were requested to write down all the plant based foods that you ate over one week, how many different varieties would you be able to list? Most of us would achieve around 15-20 at the most........

To adequately feed our indigenous gut bacteria, we need to constantly consume a wide diverse range of plant based foods into our diet.  Probiotics and gut guru Jason Hawrelak recommends at least 40 different varieties are required every week to maintain a happy and healthy microbiome.  If the diet is not varied with diversity we run the risk of losing bacteria diversity and causing bacterial imbalances that leave us prone to opportunistic gut pathogens. 

It is a long standing traditional Naturopathic belief that all disease begins in the gut and now in more recent times there is a large body of scientific research to support this statement.  A disrupted microbiome that leads to dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria) can be linked to diseases throughout each system of the body including: the brain, immune system, liver, kidneys and bone joints.  

As part of a treatment plan - diet, exercise, stress management and sleep become vital in supporting an optimal microbiome.  In addition core natural medicine remedies guided by an experienced health professional  - Naturopath to support overall host health can positively affect microbiome health. 

Menopause Early!

• Through clinical and personal experience I am encountering more and more women suffering the signs and symptoms of menopause under the age of 45. When signs and symptoms present alongside hormonal dysfunction before the age of 40 this is termed premature ovarian failure and will be investigated further, however over the age of 40 it will be considered the beginning of peri/menopause. Some of the presenting signs and symptoms associated with peri/menopause:
• irregular menstrual cycles with lengthy durations between cycles or cessation longer than 12 months
• headaches low/no sex drive fatigue
• low energy foggy head irritable
• weight gain hair loss infertility
• hot flushes
• feelings of being overwhelmed and emotional and or new presentations of anxiety

Some women will have a familial history of early onset menopause, although there are some other aspects that should be considered with premature hormonal dysfunction.

• high stress loads on both physical and mental planes
• excessive exercise, adrenal fatigue, hypothyroidism
• exposure to environmental hormone disruptors contained in plastics, foods, cosmetics
• Diet and lifestyle factors - poor diet choices, high refined foods, excessive smoking and drinking of alcohol

In addressing some of the factors to premature menopause - we also need to acknowledge women are now being exposed to health conditions in earlier age groups, rather than being protected by optimal hormones well into their 50’s. Some of these conditions involve:

• Bone Density loss leading to Osteoporosis and Cardiovascular conditions

If you have identified with the above or know someone that is experiencing early menopause signs and symptoms make contact today and book an appointment (skype available) to address underlying causes, support and manage symptoms and initiate long term risk prevention.

Nicola Pilon Naturopath - 0433048430

http://www.nicola-pilon-naturopath.com/...

Fertility management

Managing infertility/fertility with Natural Medicine

What is a “normal” cycle?

By tracking your cycle length, basal metabolic temperature, flow, presenting pain and other premenstrual symptoms we can gain great insights into reproductive health, from here we can begin to support and re-establish regular period patterns aiming for optimal reproductive health.

The usual range for a menstrual cycle is between 21-35 days, and is used as guide only, however anything outside this range may reflect signs of sub-optimal functioning, and should be discussed and reviewed in cases of poor nutrition status, high levels of stress, abnormal body weight (height to weight ratio) and poor liver clearance all which may disrupt optimal reproductive functioning.

Similar to tracking your cycle length, with guidance from your naturopath you can track your own ovulation via a special technique involving observational cervical signs.  Not only is this technique empowering to all women it provides us with knowledge of our most fertile time – important for when the aim is for conception or alternatively when used appropriately as part of a contraception plan.

To find out what your “normal” cycle is speak to one of our qualified Naturopaths to assist you in getting to know your body and cycle better today.

Adrenal Fatigue

Stressed out??????!!!!!!!!

In our modern day society adrenal fatigue is more common than we think, and has been reported by James Wilson (author of “Adrenal Fatigue:  The 21st century Stress Syndrome”) that 80% of the population experience some degree of lowered adrenal function.

Adrenal fatigue presents as a collection of signs and symptoms and is caused by all types of stress:  emotional and physical, and if left unchecked may lead to further health challenges such as type II diabetes, Thyroid issues and heart attack.

Adrenal fatigue symptoms include:

-       Morning fatigue or difficulty getting motivated to wake up

-       Feeling run down and stressed

-       Struggling to keep up with life’s demands

-       Unable to bounce back from stress or illness

-       Poor focus or decreased cognition function

-       Lowered libido

-       Hormonal imbalances

-       Bone loss

-       Inflammation

-       Increased allergies

-       Difficulty maintaining sleep

-       Lowered energy states

-       Irregular blood sugar levels

-       Cravings for sugary or salty foods

If you have experienced any of these adrenal fatigue side effects it is important to take action now to support, nourish and heal your adrenal system.

Treatment for adrenal fatigue involves reducing stress on the body and mind, replenishing the body with healthy healing foods, eliminating toxins and implementing positive lifestyle habits. 

In addition to the above treatment outline, herbal and nutritional therapy has been reported to support and replenish the adrenal system by assisting with stress adaptation responses and modulating cortisol levels.

Autumn immune support

As the sun lowers and the leaves begin to fall we are reminded that autumn is a time for nurturing and ensuring the body is supported for the cold change ahead.

As the air is cool, it becomes dryer – symptoms of dry conditions present as:  cough, dandruff, dry lips, itchiness and constipation.  Consume foods that help to moisten and nourish:

Orange, yellow and deep-pigmented fruits and vegetables contain beta-carotene, which is great for skin!  Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that protects not only against environmental damage, but fights against free radicals helping our natural defences to support our immune system.  These vegetables are also rich in vitamins A and C repairing the body’s tissues and produce collagen.

The best sources of beta-carotene are: 

Fruits:  apricots, rockmelon, papayas, mangoes, nectarines and peaches

Yellow/orange vegetables: Carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and winter squash

Green leafy vegetables:  spinach, broccoli, kale and cabbage

Focus on foods that nourish and build up blood levels to help increase your natural immune defences:

Richly coloured foods are a great choice for blood building:

- Goji berries, beetroot, dried apricots, dark grapes, blackberries and raspberries are especially good.

- Slow cooked bone broth sourced from red meat bones provides the body with essential minerals to support the immune system along with aiding joint health to reduce inflammation and promote repair.

- Add some warming spices to your meals such as cinnamon, ginger, cumin, fennel and cardamon to aid digestion, or enjoy as an herbal tea.

Increase the amount of good oils you consume during autumn, which will help to protect skin and lungs:  Avocadoes, raw unsalted nuts, sustainable fish, olive oil, hazelnut and walnut oil.

During autumn introduce meals that are cooked for longer at lower temperatures to maintain moisture and are easier to digest without nutrient losses.

Change is on its way!  Ensure that you are working towards supporting your natural defences so that they are at their strongest in the fight against illness.

Keep warm, nourished and active!

Get in charge of your health in 2016

I am now starting the year off with those interested in a 1-2 month cleansing detox program. This program gives you the opportunity to put your health as a priority for the first part of the year to establish a sustainable healthy routine for the entire year.

Detoxification – Restart your year with a focus on a new healthier you? Start afresh by removing stored toxins that have accumulated over the past year and during the festive season.  Regain clarity and restore energy levels to where they naturally should be.  Love your liver and it will love you back - a healthy liver helps to break down and eliminate toxins that make us feel foggy and constantly tired.

The program focuses on detoxification whilst addressing any digestive issues such as: bloating, cramping, reflux, constipation or diarrhoea that may be present as well as weight management insights.  Knowing that stress is a major contributor to many areas of health including:  hormonal imbalances, sleep, gut health and the immune system, assistance with stress management and support is incorporated into a tailored treatment plan.

During a naturopathic consultation you will receive easy to access professional nutritional and lifestyle advice to incorporate into every day life to create sustainable healthy habits.  Further investigations such as food intolerance testing and hair tissue mineral analysis are also available.

If you would like to begin 2016 with a little more spring in your step starting with a Naturopathic consultation please contact Nicola at Healing Well on:  0433048430

Spring

What can a Spring Detox do for me?

Cleanse, Revitalise & Rejuvenate

A detoxification program can be undertaken any time, although traditionally the best time of the year to engage in a detoxification program is in Spring when the body is becoming ready to lighten and motivation comes more easy with longer and warmer days.

In our everyday lives we are exposed to toxins from the foods and medications we ingest to the air we breathe, over time these toxins build up and place a heavy burden on or elimination systems:  Skin, Liver, Lungs, Kidneys and bowel.

A detoxification program that leads to healthier dietary and lifestyle choices, not only provides the body with more energy and clarity but can assist in the support and management of many conditions such as:

v  Digestive issues – bloating, cramping, reflux, constipation and/or diarrhoea

v  Address food intolerances

v  Hormonal issues – PCOS, Endometriosis, Peri/menopausal presentations

v  Elimination of heavy metal toxins stored in the body

v  Weight control and management

v  Skin conditions – Skin rashes such as Eczema and psoriasis

v  Cardiovascular health

v  Preconception care – phase I as part of a treatment plan assisted by your practitioner

I am now running “whole life vitality” programs that are health and wellness programs that have been shown to be easy to follow with  a well - rounded 3 week detoxification program, that is followed up with supportive “Eat for Life” patient education for long lasting wellness.

Contact me on: 0433048430 to make a Naturopath appointment today for my next available appointment from Healing Well Castlemaine