Are You Producing Enough Acid?

One of the most important factors in digestion is stomach acid. Too little acid or too much can cause digestive problems. Stomach acid (Hydrochloric acid) is critical for not only all protein digestion, but also for mineral absorption and more importantly it is the first line of defence against infections such as bacteria entering your body.

Lack of acid makes you prone to infections and it can lead to indigestion and bloating. The likelihood of developing allergies can also increase because large undigested food enters the small intestine and triggers allergic reactions. What are the signs of not enough acid?

Read More

Gut Health | Redlands Naturopath

Good digestion and absorption are crucial to good health. Research is telling us that healing your gut is the most important thing you can do to get your health back on track. Even the ancient healers such as Hippocrates stated 2000 years ago that “All disease begins in the gut.

Some examples of autoimmune diseases are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Diabetes, Celiac disease, Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Genetic predisposition makes up about one-third of your risk of developing an autoimmune disease. The other two-thirds of your risk come from environmental factors, which include: diet, lifestyle, infections, mineral deficiencies, exposure to toxins – such as heavy metals mercury or cadmium, hormones, weight and others. Statistically, nearly 1 in 5 people now have an autoimmune disorder, and having a first-degree relative with an auto-immune disease will dramatically increase your risk of developing some form of autoimmunity.

Read More

The Treatment Of Digestive Disorders

Did you know that about 80% of our immune system is located in the gut? Unhealthy gut has been linked to a multitude of imbalances in the rest of the body such as hormonal issues, autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, skin issues and other chronic health problems.

There are 4 steps to follow when treating digestive issues:

  1. The first stage of the treatment is to remove the things that negatively affect the gut environment and cause inflammation. These things may include some foods such as gluten or dairy which the body is reacting to; heavy metals such as mercury or cadmium; yeast or parasites or bacteria. One of the most common causes of IBS is SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth) in which case following a low FODMAP diet combined with specific treatment plan using herbal medicine is needed to remove the bacteria that are causing the bloating.
  2. The second stage is the repair of the damaged gut by addressing the inflammation of the gut wall and leaky gut using nutritional supplements.
  3. The third stage involves adding back the essential nutrients to restore proper digestion and absorption of food. This step usually involves supplementing with enzymes and bitters to get the digestion on the right track.
  4. The fourth and the last step is to reinoculate or re-introduce the beneficial bacteria which helps to regulate digestion and elimination and play a crucial role in keeping our immune system functioning properly

Read More

Meet Our Microbiome | Bayside Naturopath

Did you know that more than 100 trillion microorganisms live in our gut, skin, mouth and other parts of our bodies? Most of these organisms live in our digestive tract and are composed of fungi, viruses and mostly bacteria, and these influence every aspect of our health.

The microbiome affects our metabolism, immunity, mood and brain function. It affects every aspect of our everyday life! Scientists have also linked allergies, obesity and many chronic illnesses such as diabetes and autoimmune disorders to our microbiome. Our gut health can have a significant impact on ADHD, autism, asthma, chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression, insomnia, high blood pressure, IBS and IBD, memory issues, fibromyalgia, arthritis, atherosclerosis, menstrual issues, skin problems eg. eczema and acne, frequent colds and infections etc. Your intestinal flora determines whether your body is in a state on inflammation or not.

Read More

Chronic Stress

Chronic ongoing stress can negatively affect your nervous system, your adrenals and your hormones. Stress can have a major impact on your body as a whole!

Some strategies that you can adapt to better cope with stress include: talking to a professional (psychologist or a counsellor), relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation, a healthy diet, exercise and natural supplements.

There are many types of herbal medicines that help with sleep issues, relaxing the body and boosting your energy levels. Chronic stress can lead to imbalances in the chemicals in your brain, which can often contribute to depression or feelings of negativity and anxiety. Your naturopath can discuss with you the use of herbals and nutrients to help decrease stress.

Panacea Naturopathy takes no ownership of any of the images used in this blog article. All credit to images belongs to their original source. Panacea Naturopathy has credited all copy write material where plausible.

Why Test For Minerals?

Minerals are the spark- plugs of life as they are needed for almost every metabolic process in the body. They are essential for healing, immunity, growth, vitality and wellbeing.

Ideally, we should be getting all our minerals from our diet. Unfortunately, due to modern farming techniques using fertilisers and pesticides which reduce the mineral content in soil, our bodies are significantly deficient in minerals. Consequently, the need for testing and monitoring our nutritional status is more important now than ever before.

Other factors that cause mineral imbalances are stress, medications, pollution, genetic factors and also improper use of nutritional supplements.

The Oligoscan can be used for detection of early mineral imbalances at the cellular level, it can show the accumulation of toxic elements and also detects metabolic issues as early as possible.

Panacea Naturopathy takes no ownership of any of the images used in this blog article. All credit to images belongs to their original source. Panacea Naturopathy has credited all copy write material where plausible.

Fibromyalgia | Redlands Naturopath

Fibromyalgia (FM): is a common syndrome characterised by pain and tenderness in muscles, joints, tendons and other soft tissues. It may also include other symptoms such as sleep disturbances, fatigue and brain fog.

The aetiology of FM is still not fully understood, but current research points to several underlying factors such as abnormality in the neuroendocrine nervous system, genetic factors and environmental stressors. So, what can you do if you do suffer with FM? Supplementing with Magnesium has been found in several studies to decrease pain associated with FM and also to decrease stress. There are a few other critical supplements that have been found beneficial to decrease muscle pain, decrease fatigue and elevate your mood. At Panacea Naturopathy, we can discuss the best treatment options with you.

Read More

Magnesium | Cleveland Naturopath

[spb_row element_name=”Row” wrap_type=”content-width” row_bg_type=”color” color_row_height=”content-height” bg_type=”cover” parallax_image_height=”content-height” parallax_image_movement=”fixed” parallax_image_speed=”0.5″ bg_video_loop=”yes” parallax_video_height=”window-height” row_top_style=”none” row_bottom_style=”none” parallax_video_overlay=”none” row_overlay_opacity=”0″ row_padding_vertical=”0″ row_padding_horizontal=”0″ row_margin_vertical=”0″ remove_element_spacing=”no” vertical_center=”false” inner_column_height=”col-natural” row_expanding=”no” row_animation=”none” row_animation_delay=”0″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_text_block element_name=”Text Block” animation=”none” animation_delay=”0″ simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” padding_vertical=”0″ padding_horizontal=”0″ margin_vertical=”0″ custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;border-top: 0px default ;border-left: 0px default ;border-right: 0px default ;border-bottom: 0px default ;padding-top: 0px;padding-left: 0px;padding-right: 0px;padding-bottom: 0px;” border_size=”0″ border_styling_global=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

Magnesium is an essential mineral for maintaining health and vitality. Did you know that magnesium is required for more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body?

Is your body telling you that you are deficient in magnesium? Signs of magnesium deficiency include muscle cramps, muscle tension, migraines, stress or anxiety, fatigue and low energy, high blood pressure, fibromyalgia, irregular heart beat and these are only the more common symptoms.

There are many forms of magnesium on the market, but all are not created equal. Commonly used sources of magnesium which are found in sports drinks or supplements in the supermarket might not be well absorbed and can even cause stomach problems. Your naturopath can help you choose the right magnesium combination suitable for your specific condition.

[/spb_text_block] [/spb_row]

Panacea Naturopathy takes no ownership of any of the images used in this blog article. All credit to images belongs to their original source. Panacea Naturopathy has credited all copy write material where plausible.

Lyme Disease, Are You At Risk?

[spb_row element_name=”Row” wrap_type=”content-width” row_bg_type=”color” color_row_height=”content-height” bg_type=”cover” parallax_image_height=”content-height” parallax_image_movement=”fixed” parallax_image_speed=”0.5″ bg_video_loop=”yes” parallax_video_height=”window-height” row_top_style=”none” row_bottom_style=”none” parallax_video_overlay=”none” row_overlay_opacity=”0″ row_padding_vertical=”0″ row_padding_horizontal=”0″ row_margin_vertical=”0″ remove_element_spacing=”no” vertical_center=”false” inner_column_height=”col-natural” row_expanding=”no” row_animation=”none” row_animation_delay=”0″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_text_block element_name=”Text Block” animation=”none” animation_delay=”0″ simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” padding_vertical=”0″ padding_horizontal=”0″ margin_vertical=”0″ custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;border-top: 0px default ;border-left: 0px default ;border-right: 0px default ;border-bottom: 0px default ;padding-top: 0px;padding-left: 0px;padding-right: 0px;padding-bottom: 0px;” border_size=”0″ border_styling_global=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

Diagnoses of Lyme disease have been on the rise around the world.

According to the World Health Organization, 35,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease in Europe, and another 3,500 in Asia every year but considering how difficult Lyme is to diagnose, the number may be as high as ten times that number. Early symptoms are often a rash and flu-like symptoms, but can also include gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms but especially tiredness similar to post-infectious or post viral fatigue. Later symptoms may include joint pain and neurological symptoms such as numbness, Bell’s palsy and others. Symptoms may come and go or be very mild. Chronic Lyme Disease can also trigger Adrenal Fatigue. If you have Lyme Disease, a comprehensive long- term recovery plan is critical to prevent the problem becoming chronic.

[/spb_text_block] [/spb_row]

Panacea Naturopathy takes no ownership of any of the images used in this blog article. All credit to images belongs to their original source. Panacea Naturopathy has credited all copy write material where plausible.

Winter Detox

[spb_row element_name=”Row” wrap_type=”content-width” row_bg_type=”color” color_row_height=”content-height” bg_type=”cover” parallax_image_height=”content-height” parallax_image_movement=”fixed” parallax_image_speed=”0.5″ bg_video_loop=”yes” parallax_video_height=”window-height” row_top_style=”none” row_bottom_style=”none” parallax_video_overlay=”none” row_overlay_opacity=”0″ row_padding_vertical=”0″ row_padding_horizontal=”0″ row_margin_vertical=”0″ remove_element_spacing=”no” vertical_center=”false” inner_column_height=”col-natural” row_expanding=”no” row_animation=”none” row_animation_delay=”0″ width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [spb_text_block element_name=”Text Block” animation=”none” animation_delay=”0″ simplified_controls=”yes” custom_css_percentage=”no” padding_vertical=”0″ padding_horizontal=”0″ margin_vertical=”0″ custom_css=”margin-top: 0px;margin-bottom: 0px;border-top: 0px default ;border-left: 0px default ;border-right: 0px default ;border-bottom: 0px default ;padding-top: 0px;padding-left: 0px;padding-right: 0px;padding-bottom: 0px;” border_size=”0″ border_styling_global=”default” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]

Winter is an ideal time to detox in order to avoid getting sick during the cold and flu season and keep us healthy and energised.

The goal is to change the way we eat and live, just as the season changes too. Winter is a time of rest and nourishment – eating warm foods that are rich in nutrients; as well as getting involved in some gentle exercises such as yoga, pilates or walking. Here are some handy tips to get the best results out of your winter detox:

– Wear warm clothes inside and outside your home as the temperatures drops. Wearing natural fibres such as wool or cotton are preferable as they allow your skin to breathe.

– Wear warm socks inside the house as heat leaves our bodies through hands and feet, so wearing cotton or woollen socks will make a big difference in keeping us warm.

– Try skin brushing. Before your shower or bath – move a loofah in a gentle circular motion for 5-10 minutes a day – from your feet up to thighs and buttocks and from hands to arms and shoulders and the back, avoiding the face. Skin brushing helps to increase circulation and helps us detox.

– Drink hot herbal teas to keep us warm – ginger and lemon, green tea, rosehip, turmeric – are all excellent choices.

– Have warming meals such as soups, bone broths and slow cooked stews instead of cold juices and smoothies.

– Avoid cold foods, iced water, sugar, excess alcohol, cereal grains, processed foods, and excess raw foods.

Here is a sample meal menu:

-upon rising – warm water with juice from half a lemon
-Breakfast – egg frittata with spinach, sweet potato and kale
-Mid-morning – cup of herbal tea
-Lunch – pumpkin and lentil soup
-Afternoon snack – a handful of mixed nuts and seeds; cup of herbal
tea with lemon and half teaspoon of honey
-Dinner – 1 cup of miso soup; poached salmon with broccolini, brussel sprouts and roast beetroot and sweet potatoes
– half a cup of stewed apple and rhubarb with cinnamon
– Get active – commit to 45 minutes of exercise a day. Gentle yoga or pilates are a great way to start or end the day as these exercises help to move the lymph – which is important in your body’s detox.

– Herbals containing Andrographis, Astragalus or Echinacea can also be useful in improving your immune system to ward off colds and flu.

[/spb_text_block] [/spb_row]