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Naturopath Wynnum help lose weight

Maintain Weight Loss After HcG: Keep The Weight Off!

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Maintain Weight Loss Results After HcG

Many people see great weight loss results from the HcG diet. It is an easy and effective way to lose weight quickly, and it sets you in good stead for a healthy lifestyle going forward. If you’re looking for a great way to lose weight and keep it off, learn more about the HcG diet.

Our Top Tips For Maintaining Weight Loss After HcG

Losing weight is one thing. Oftentimes the challenge is in keeping the weight off once you have lost it. We understand – life gets in the way, you get busy, and it can be easy to slip back into the same patterns you were in before you lost the weight. To avoid this, we have put together a list of recommendations that will help you maintain weight loss after HcG.

Continue eating with a structure

If you have used the HcG diet and are no longer taking the HcG drops, you should still continue to structure your meals to maintain your body weight. Even if you have lost weight through any other method and you are looking to avoid gaining it back, eating with a structure is a great idea. Planning a few meals ahead, understanding what is going into your body, and avoiding eating late at night will help you to stay on track with your weight loss or maintenance goals.

Use proven lifestyle diets to maintain weight loss

Lifestyle diets help to provide a structured way of eating which help maintain a healthy weight, reduce inflammation, reduce cardiovascular disease and increase energy levels through food and healthy eating.
Some proven lifestyle diets you could consider include:

  • Intermittent Fasting such as The 5:2 Diet or 16:8 Diet
  • The Blood Type Diet
  • The Paleo Diet
  • The Mediterranean Diet
  • Vegetarian / Vegan Diet

There are many lifestyle diets. The best diet is generally the one that suits your body best and which allows you to stick to the structure most of the time so that you reap its benefits.

Introduce variety into your diet

Enjoying your food is so important! If you are eating a plain diet that isn’t satisfying or enjoyable, you will inevitably get bored and begin to crave sugary and fatty foods more often and more intensely. Introducing variety into your day-to-day intake ensures that your healthy diet is sustainable and enjoyable. This includes having a variety of colours, flavours, and cuisines.

Exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym or running 10kms each day. This works for some people, but not everyone, and it’s important to find a way to move your body that you enjoy. Look at ways to increase movement in your everyday life. Take the stairs instead of taking the lift. Hop off your bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way. Drink enough water so that you have to get up from your desk to walk to and from the bathroom several times a day. These are just a few ways to increase movement – anything you can do to move your body more will help to lose weight and keep the weight off!

Manage stress and other emotional triggers

It’s no secret that stress wreaks havoc on our bodies. Stress and emotional upheaval can make us crave sugary and fatty foods because they temporarily stimulate our brain’s pleasure sensors – they are called comfort foods for this exact reason! Unfortunately this can lead to a vicious cycle because higher consumption of these kinds of foods (ie. lollies, chocolate, deep-fried foods etc) makes us feel more stressed and lethargic once our bodies start trying to process the fat or come down from the blood sugar spike. Managing your stress and other emotional triggers not only looks after your mental health but also helps you stay on top of your physical health as well. There are many naturopathic herbs and supplements to help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase energy levels.

Eliminating food intolerances

Food intolerances are extremely common, yet often go undiagnosed because many people do not realise that their problems are stemming from foods and they don’t know how to identify what is causing their symptoms. By taking a food intolerance test you can understand what food or foods are causing problems for you and start feeling better. Eliminating food intolerances improves your overall health and can lead to a reduction in weight. We recently had one client lose 10kg of weight just by eliminating the foods that she was intolerant to.

Keep a food diary

Writing down what kind of foods you are eating on a day-to-day basis brings greater consciousness to your diet and nutrition. It allows you to observe if certain events or times of day/night trigger certain eating patterns, and can also help you recognise a food intolerance. Once you are aware of what you are eating and when, and how it is making you feel, you can take control of your diet and your weight.

Use the HcG Diet strategically to maintain your weight

Many clients who have lost weight using the HcG like to use it strategically to help them maintain their weight loss. Many like to do the HcG diet every January just for 3 weeks. If, like most of us, you have overindulged over the Christmas period then doing the HcG Diet in January lets you reset your mind to eating healthy. You can lose 3-5kg and start the year off in a health-conscious and positive way. Some clients also like to do this at spring time too by way of a clean up, detox and weight management program. Book a free weight loss assessment with our specialist Tony to start you off right!

Are You Concerned About Maintaining Your Weight Loss?

These are all great tips if you want to keep the weight off and continue feeling and looking amazing. However, we understand it isn’t always easy or possible to do this by yourself each day. At Capalaba Natural Health, we specialise in weight loss and helping people keep the weight off that they have already lost. We support you to achieve your goals not just now but also in the future. Contact us today on 07 3823 3103.

Rheumatoid Arthritis joint paint

What Are The Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

Many people confuse rheumatoid arthritis with osteoarthritis. Whereas osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints and connective tissues around the joints, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that affects more than just your joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can also impact multiple other parts of the body including the eyes, skin, lungs, heart, blood vessels, and nerves. Around 2% of Australians suffer from this autoimmune disease, and it can manifest in different ways. That’s why it is important to know the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis so that you can look for treatment early on and prevent worsening of the condition.

Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A healthy immune system typically fights off viruses, bacteria, and other bodily intruders. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the immune system starts attacking the tissues of your body, mistaking your cells for foreign and potentially harmful invaders. It can cause quite a lot of pain and inflammation in the body, resulting in the following symptoms:

  • Pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints
  • Stiffness in the joints that is worsened by inactivity (in the mornings and after being seated or still)
  • Weakness especially on the fingers and hands
  • Multiple joints affected
  • Fatigue
  • Fevers
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry and sensitive eyes
  • Dry and irritated mouth
  • Lumps under skin around joints (rheumatoid nodules)

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can vary greatly person to person. Some experience only mild symptoms, and others suffer quite intense discomfort or pain. During flare-ups, symptoms are worse as your immune system attacks your own cells and discharges inflammatory chemicals that target the fluid around your joints.

Causes For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Unfortunately, the cause for development of rheumatoid arthritis has not been confirmed. Researchers and doctors suspect that there may be a genetic component that makes some people more susceptible to certain viruses and bacteria that could trigger the onset of the disease. Endurance of emotional or physical stress may also contribute to its progression. There are some factors that have been linked to increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis, such as:

  • Gender – women have been found to be more likely to develop the disease
  • Age – while the disease is seen across all ages, it develops more frequently in middle-aged people
  • Weight – being overweight is suggested to pose a greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis

Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis

If you are experiencing the above symptoms, it is crucial to seek diagnosis as soon as possible so that you can begin treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. There are a few tests to obtain an accurate diagnosis. These tests can include:

  • Blood tests – Especially for inflammation and rheumatoid factor markers
  • Physical examinations
  • MRIs
  • X-rays
  • Ultrasounds

Once you have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the main objective for treatment is to alleviate symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.

Natural Treatment For Rheumatoid Arthritis

As with any autoimmune disease, there is unfortunately no established cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are a number of treatments available that can reduce symptoms, flare-ups, inflammation, and damage to your joints and organs.

Research shows that naturopathy can be an effective natural treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to treatment, focusing on reducing and preventing inflammation. There are many herbs which have potent pain relieving properties as well as being naturally anti-inflammatory. Taking natural anti-inflammatories are a low risk, low side effect solutions o managing pain. They can also be used in conjunction with medicine from your doctor. There are also many nutritional substances such as Fish Oils, Glucosamine, MSM, Bovine Cartilage etc. which can help reduce joint pain, stiffness and improve mobility.

Did you know that over 60% of your immune system is located in or associated to your gut? Focusing on gut health can directly impact your autoimmune condition. Eliminating foods that you may be intolerant to can also have a significant impact on your inflammation and pain levels. We recommend focusing on improving your microbiome health to reduce inflammation. Visit our gut health blog post to learn more. There are also probiotics available that help to regulate the gut and reduce autoimmune flare ups.

Losing weight can significantly health reduce pain, inflammation and pressure on your joints. If you are overweight, weight loss can be a quick and easy way to improve your health. For example, losing 10kg will reduce 50kg of pressure off your knees. Capalaba Natural Health has helped thousands of people lose weight and one of the most significant benefits is their reduced pain, reduce inflammation and improved quality of life. We can offer both in-house food intolerance testing and we specialise in weight loss. Addressing both of these areas will have a quick and immediate impact on your overall health and your symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Finding a health professional who you trust to develop a personalised treatment plan for you, should be your first step. At Capalaba Natural Health, we take your needs, lifestyle, diet, and history into consideration when developing your treatment plan. To book your naturopathy consultation and learn more about how naturopathy can treat rheumatoid arthritis naturally, contact us here or call us on 07 3823 3103.

Eczema causing itchy skin

How To Treat Eczema Naturally

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Itchy Eczema Flare

Eczema is a skin condition that causes inflammation of the skin. Atopic dermatitis is the most common kind of eczema which affects around 1 in 3 babies and 16% of Australians. For babies presenting with eczema, it is often only temporary and is outgrown as their skin develops. However, it is not uncommon for the skin condition to carry on into adulthood. Flare-ups of eczema can cause a lot of discomfort, itching, and inflammation. In this article we explore how to treat eczema naturally.

What Are The Signs Of Eczema?

Eczema can affect any area of your body, and symptoms can come and go. A flare-up of eczema is when the condition becomes particularly inflamed, which can present symptoms such as:

  • Red or brown patches of skin
  • Severe itching
  • Scaly skin
  • Small bumps which can seep fluid
  • Brittle patches of dried pus-like fluid

Aside from these uncomfortable and frustrating physical symptoms, eczema can also cause social anxiety and self-consciousness particularly for teens and adults as it often manifests in easily visible areas like the hands, arms, behind the knees, and cheeks. Eczema is not contagious, so if you think you have contracted eczema from someone else, it’s more likely that you have another skin condition.

What Causes Eczema?

While the root cause for eczema has not been confirmed, there are several culprits that researchers and doctors suspect, involving the following three factors.

Immune System

Our immune systems are responsible for fighting off foreign bodies that they detect as potentially harmful like bacteria, viruses and infection. If your immune system is overworking itself in response to being exposed to mild triggers, it causes excess inflammation which can manifest itself as skin rashes like those seen in eczema.

Eosinophils are a part of your white blood cells which when they raise, they cause tissue irritation, inflammation and can drives eczema, asthma, dermatitis etc…

Gut Health

Gut health can influence many different components of your overall health, including your immune system, brain function, and hormone production. If you have a poor diet lacking in enough probiotics, prebiotics, micronutrients, and hydration, the chances are that you may have poor gut health. Ensuring you are looking after your gut by drinking enough water and maintaining a balanced diet may improve your immune response and prevent flare-ups. You can read more about the importance of gut health on our blog.

If you have too much bad bacteria or not enough good bacteria this can lead to leaky gut which in turn drives inflammation in your digestive tract. This inflammation can directly drive eczema. Naturopathically we often heal the gut to clear eczema and other skin conditions.

Liver Health

One of the main jobs of your liver is to clear toxins from your body. If your liver is struggling to effectively clear toxins it can often use the skin to help with toxin elimination. (The skin is our biggest elimination organ in our body.) If the skin is struggling to clear these toxins it can often cause irritations which will manifest in eczema. Supporting your liver function through improving gut health, eliminating food intolerances and nutritional liver support can result is elimination of eczema.

Food Intolerance

Eczema may also be triggered by food intolerances. Consuming certain foods may be causing irritation or inflammation by provoking an immune reaction. Aside from eczema, food intolerances can often cause other immune reactions like allergies, asthma, and arthritis. If you notice your symptoms becoming worse after consuming certain foods, it may be worth having a food intolerance test. In our experience food intolerances are a major driver of eczema and one which is often not considered by GPs.

How To Treat Eczema Naturally With Naturopathy

There are numerous treatments for eczema available. Applying hydrocortisone creams topically to the affected skin or taking prescription medication are both common methods that people use to try to manage their physical symptoms. Unfortunately, these kind of creams and medications often come with side effects like:

  • Nausea
  • Heartburn
  • Dizziness
  • Skin irritation

These topical treatments also do not treat the root cause of the symptoms, which is the irritants, immune response, and overall health.

A naturopathic approach considers all of these possible causes and develops a personalised treatment plan that focuses not only on alleviating symptoms but also on preventing flare-ups. We would look at how your gut, immune system, liver, stress and food intolerances combine to drive your eczema. We look at ways to correct the underlying drivers of your eczema so that you correct the problem and not just mask it with steroids.

At Capalaba Natural Health, we offer food intolerance tests as well as naturopathy consultations in order to discover the trigger for your eczema. To find out more about how to treat eczema naturally with naturopathy, contact us here or call us on 07 3823 3103.

Tired at work

Why Am I Always So Tired?

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Why Am I Always So Tired?

Whether you’re working long hours, juggling study and work, or have become a new parent, you’ve more than likely felt the effects of a poor night’s sleep. No matter what the cause, sleep deprivation (especially when it’s prolonged over days, weeks, or months) can wreak havoc on your body and cause more than just grogginess the following morning. You’re not alone. Many clients visit us at Capalaba Natural Health with the same question: “Why am I always so tired?” The answer is different for everyone, but we can help you to find the cause and work with you to manage your stress, lifestyle, and diet to get your sleeping pattern back on track.

Reasons You’re Always Tired

There are a wide range of possible reasons that you’re feeling tired all the time, so it’s important to discuss the problem with a health professional. However, the most common reasons we see in our patients for ongoing fatigue are:

  • Diet

    Your diet has a huge impact on the way you feel and the way your body functions. When you are eating too much of something or too little of another, all sorts of imbalances and problems can occur.

    One example is the consumption of too many carbohydrates, especially refined carbs, which your body quickly processes into glucose. The glucose causes a sudden spike in your blood sugar and a subsequent ‘crash’. This not only makes you feel exhausted, but also produces cravings for another quick hit of energy, leading to a destructive cycle of eating more and more refined carbohydrates and feeling more fatigued.

    You could be consuming too much: sugar, caffeine, refined carbohydrates.
    Similarly, you could be consuming too little: water, protein, iron, calories.

    Eating food that you are intolerant to can also cause fatigue, brain fog and drive inflammation which increased aches and pain and in turn make you feel tired. Eliminating Food Intolerances can be a great starting point for overcoming fatigue especially if you also experience some digestive disturbances.

    There are numerous vitamin, mineral and dietary imbalances that can cause you to feel constantly fatigued, so it’s best to consult one of our naturopaths to help you investigate your diet.

  • Activity levels

    If you live a more sedentary lifestyle, inactivity could be prompting your ongoing tiredness. Although the most common reason for a sedentary behaviour or lifestyle is being too tired or too busy, exercising for just 30 minutes a day can boost energy levels and drastically reduce feelings of fatigue.

    Even small alterations to your behaviours can make a difference. If you have a desk job you can increase movement and burn more energy by standing rather than sitting at your desk when possible. Walking or cycling to work instead of driving, taking walks on the weekend or joining a yoga class are all great ways to increase your activity levels. Any addition of movement to your lifestyle can help to alleviate your constant feelings of exhaustion.

  • Stress

    Ongoing or heightened levels of stress can severely impact your energy levels and your sleep. When you have a busy work schedule, university obligations and/or family commitments, you can become burnt out without realising it. This causes constant fatigue and low energy. Stress can also lead to undersleeping or oversleeping, which can both cause you to feel more tired than if you were getting the recommended 8 hours a night.

    Stress also affects the adrenal glands which play a large role in stress management and our energy levels. With constant ongoing stress our adrenals often become tired and this can cause increased anxiety, depression and fatigue.

    While it is not always easy to just reduce your workload or busy schedule, there are certainly ways to manage your stress so that you aren’t feeling exhausted all the time. Our naturopath, Tony Daniel, can help you with stress management strategies and to nourish your body and adrenal glands so that you can cope with life’s stresses better and that your busy lifestyle is more sustainable.

Do You Have Chronic Fatigue?

If you have suffered from feelings of exhaustion for a long time, are always tired for no reason and have tried to eat right, exercise and lower your stress levels, you may have chronic fatigue. Unlike simply being tired, chronic fatigue is an illness that impacts your nervous system and often results in having no energy for simple daily activities and feeling under the weather when going out or simply moving around.
Chronic fatigue is a complex illness, and there are a wide range of possible symptoms including:

  • Inability to concentrate and poor memory
  • Sleep disturbances or insomnia
  • Headaches as well as pain in muscles and joints
  • Increased heart rate and shortness of breath
  • Gastrointestinal discomfort including bloating, nausea, diarrhoea and constipation
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Low blood pressure
  • Anxiety or depression

Chronic fatigue has many different causes and manifestations. Naturopathy takes a holistic approach to your treatment. Our qualified naturopath will address all elements of your lifestyle to identify the root cause and develop an individual treatment plan to naturally remedy the issue.

Tony Daniel, our Award Winning Naturopath, has helped hundreds of people increase their energy levels and overcome chronic fatigue’ So if you are tired of feeling tired all the time, let us help you get back on the path to wellness. Call us on (07) 3823 3103 to secure an appointment and regain your energy, vitality, and quality of life.

Lactose intolerance digestive discomfort

Do I Have A Dairy Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?

By Blogs, Uncategorized

Do I Have A Dairy Allergy or Lactose Intolerance?

Experiencing digestive discomfort after drinking milk, eating cheese, yoghurt, and even ice cream is unfortunately fairly common. A lot of people typically put this down to lactose intolerance, which is a widespread issue and often the culprit of upset bellies following the consumption of dairy products.

Although Dairy Allergy can cause similar symptoms in some people. Dairy Allergy is usually more severe, with allergic reactions beginning within minutes or sometimes delayed for several hours.

Lactose intolerance is caused by the absence or deficiency of a certain digestive enzyme (lactase) that breaks down the sugar in milk (lactose), whereas a dairy allergy is your immune system’s response to the proteins found in foods containing dairy.

Signs and Symptoms of Dairy Issues

About 65 percent of people worldwide are lactose intolerant, of which, about 5 percent are allergic to dairy. Both afflictions can cause similar symptoms, so it’s important to get tested if you are experiencing any of the following after consuming dairy products:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Nausea
  • Rash
  • Swelling
  • Asthma-like wheezing
  • Tightness in the throat and trouble swallowing

At Capalaba Natural Health, our experts can assist you with an elimination diet to identify the root cause of your digestive issue, with food intolerance testing to recognise what foods are causing problems.

What’s the difference between Dairy Allergy & Lactose Intolerance?

  • Dairy Allergy

    Dairy allergy is normally related to the consumption of cow’s milk but people can be allergic to other types of dairy. Many people still buy and consume dairy even despite having adverse reactions to it. Reactions can be mild, in the form of rashes or quite severe, including trouble breathing and loss of consciousness.

  • Lactose Intolerance

    You are likely lactose intolerant if your symptoms occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours following the consumption of dairy products, particularly those higher in lactose.

    Lactose, which is the sugar that is naturally present in dairy products, requires the enzyme lactase to break it down and turn it into glucose for easy digestion. If your body lacks this enzyme, it cannot be broken down and must carry on through to the large intestine, where it is fermented by your gut bacteria, causing inflammation and triggering the symptoms listed above. For more information on lactose intolerance, check out our blog how to know if you’re lactose intolerant.

How To Minimise Intolerances

Most people find that making small changes to their diet and reducing their consumption of dairy products alleviates symptoms immediately. However, it can be difficult to implement an elimination diet on your own, especially if you experience symptoms sporadically.

If you’re suffering from digestive issues and you suspect they are related to a dairy intolerance, we recommend consulting a specialist. Call Capalaba Natural Health on (07) 3823 3103 to secure an appointment or book your Naturopathic digestive health consultation online. Understand your symptoms and begin to enjoy food without experiencing discomfort.

Diverticulitis and IBS foods

What is the difference between Diverticulitis and IBS?

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Diverticulitis and IBS
Diverticulitis and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) share many similarities in terms of symptoms, so the two can often be confused. If you have been experiencing digestive disturbances and discomfort, you may be wondering if one of these conditions is the cause of your digestive issues.

It’s important to know the similarities and differences between diverticulitis and IBS because they are two distinctly different afflictions. Diverticulitis is a disease, whereas IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder or syndrome. We’ll explore the similarities and differences in terms of symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment, so that you can assess your situation and get the help you need.

Symptoms of Diverticulitis and IBS

The thing about digestive issues is that the symptoms can come and go. Sometimes people with diverticular disease and or IBS may have no symptoms at all for a period of time. However, it is important to be aware of and manage the condition properly as symptoms can become severe.

Both diverticulosis and IBS can present with the following symptoms:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Constipation and or diarrhoea
  • Flatulence

However, a flare-up of diverticulitis can produce much more severe symptoms such as:

  • Blood in stool or rectal bleeding
  • Acute abdominal pain (typically in lower left side)
  • Fever and chills
  • Nausea and or vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constipation or (sometimes) diarrhoea
  • Hospitalisation

IBS can also manifest in two typical forms:

  • IBS-D: This type of IBS causes diarrhoea symptoms like loose and frequent stools.
  • IBS-C: This type of IBS causes constipation symptoms like hard, lumpy, and infrequent stools.

Causes for Diverticulitis and IBS

As discussed, the distinction between diverticulitis and IBS is that diverticulitis is a disease and IBS is a syndrome, and as such the cause for each is different. It is thought that both diverticulitis and IBS may be inflamed by low fibre diets.
Diverticulitis arises when small pockets known as diverticula develop in the intestinal wall and become inflamed or infected. A low fibre diet is the main suspect for this because constipation and firmer stools puts excess pressure on the intestines. Some studies also suggest that genetics, lack of exercise, and smoking may also be involved in the development of diverticulitis.

The definitive cause of IBS is currently unknown, however it is usually related to food intolerances. Anxiety and stress may also aggravate IBS symptoms which is why it is important to treat holistically rather than focusing purely on diet.

Diagnosis

Because diverticulitis and IBS are physically different conditions, diagnosing them involves two separate processes.

Usually a physical exam is required to diagnose diverticulosis (ie. diverticulitis), which can involve any of the following assessments:

  • Rectal examination
    Blood test
    Abdominal x-ray or CT scan
    Colonoscopy

For IBS, diagnosis usually revolves around matching a series of symptoms. For this reason IBS is often confused with Food Intolerance symptoms.

The initial treatment protocol for anyone with IBS should be to ascertain what foods you may be intolerant too. Often elimination of these foods will result in a complete resolution in your IBS symptoms. At Capalaba Natural Health, our testing for food intolerances can test the main 59 foods to which people are commonly intolerant, which provides results in less than an hour of completing your test.

Natural Treatment for Diverticulitis and IBS

Treating these conditions can vary greatly depending on the severity of the diverticulitis symptoms as well as the food intolerances identified in the test mentioned above. A high fibre diet together with regular exercise and proper hydration may be able to treat both diverticulitis and IBS.

Both conditions will benefit significantly from eliminating the foods you are intolerant to.

A naturopathic approach has assisted many people who suffer from diverticulitis as it addresses aggravators related to diet, gut health, and lifestyle to provide symptom relief. IBS can also be treated with diet alterations as well as by using naturopathy to calm the nervous system and reduce stress.

Both conditions can benefit from natural nutrients and supplements designed to reduce inflammation in your gut, repair your digestive tract and by providing anti-inflammatory pre and probiotics. We have had significant success in treatment both IBS and Diverticulitis.

To talk to our specialists at Capalaba Natural Health about your digestive concerns, please contact us here.

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis symptoms

What is the difference between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis?

By Blogs

Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis
Are you experiencing chronic gastrointestinal problems that are impacting your daily life? You should consider being tested for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. These are two inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) that affect more than 80,000 people in Australia. Both conditions are becoming more widespread across all ages and increasingly impacting younger people.

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are chronic disorders that affect the bowels, and they share some similarities in symptoms. It is important to acknowledge your symptoms and seek professional assistance to manage your condition appropriately. In order to help you differentiate between the two, we will discuss the various symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and natural treatments for each condition.

Symptoms of Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are the two most common inflammatory bowel diseases, and they do share some of the same symptoms. However, ulcerative colitis is limited to the gastrointestinal tract, whereas Crohn’s disease can also affect other areas of the body including eyes, skin, liver, and joints.

Symptoms of Crohn’s disease usually worsen following a meal, and can include:

  • Persistent diarrhoea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Flatulence/gas
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Mouth ulcers
  • Rectal bleeding
  • Inflammation of skin, joints, and eyes

Because ulcerative colitis, in contrast to Crohn’s disease, affects only the large bowel (colon), symptoms are confined to this area. Common symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Bloating
  • Urgent and loose bowel movements
  • Blood and or mucus in stools
  • Loss of appetite

Causes for these IBDs

Unfortunately the exact cause of these diseases is still undetermined. Some studies suggest that poor diet and high stress could be related to the development or at least aggravation of the diseases. Others propose that they could be caused by genetics or a defective immune system are to blame.

Many people underestimate the role that diet and stress management play in the health of our digestive and gastrointestinal systems. Because Crohn’s disease is an autoimmune condition, sufferers may truly benefit from managing their stress and overall health in a natural and holistic approach in order to prevent flare-ups and aggravation of symptoms.

Diagnosis

There is no single test that can diagnose all cases of inflammatory bowel disease as results are not always independently reliable. Typically people require multiple tests to receive a conclusive diagnosis because various diseases and conditions share similar symptoms.

Common tests for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis include:

  • Blood tests
  • Examination of faeces specimen
  • Abdominal x-rays
  • Colonoscopies
  • CT scans
  • MRIs
  • Ultrasounds

Natural Treatment for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

Because there is no existing ‘cure’ for Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, the purpose of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and improve your quality of life. There are various approaches you can take to treating your IBD, and it is important to do your research and choose a health professional that you trust to help manage your condition.

We believe that a natural, holistic approach can achieve remission – the absence of symptoms – and maintain this state sustainably. At Capalaba Natural Health, we focus on achieving a quality diet that reduces pain and inflammation. Removing foods that you are intolerant through a Food Intolerance Test can help reduce inflammation, pain and reduce flare ups.

There are mainly natural supplements which reduce inflammation in the gut, repair the digest tract and reduce symptoms. Specialist prebiotics and probiotics can also help to reduce signs and symptom plus balance your immune function. Balancing your immune system is extremely important as over 60% resides in your digestive tracts and plays an important role in managing both Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Supporting your stress levels, improving energy and balancing your mood is also important.

If you suffer from Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or another form of IBD, you can talk to our gastrointestinal health specialists at Capalaba Natural Health about a Natural treatment plan by contacting us here or calling us on 07 3823 3103.

For more information on Crohn’s disease and how we can help, please click here.

Can A Naturopath Help Me Lose Weight?

Benefits Of Seeing a Gut Health Specialist

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Benefits Of Improving Your Gut Health with our Gut Health Specialist and Naturopath

You don’t have to be a gut health specialist to be aware of the strong links between gut health and our physical and mental health, as it has become a common topic in the media. Almost everyone has heard that the gut is now being dubbed the “second brain”.

With studies showing correlations between gut health and our brain, sleep, immune system, mental health, and even cancer, it is certainly an important subject of which all of us should be aware.

Our award-winning naturopath Tony Daniel has been a gut health specialist for 20 years, and is well-versed in the concerns that come with imbalanced gut health, and can help you improve your gut flora for a healthier and happier life.

Signs of Poor Gut Health

Having poor gut health typically means that your microbiome or bacteria that live in your intestines are lacking or imbalanced. A healthy gut will usually have about 100 trillion bacteria of around 500 different species – the more the merrier! The top three signs that your gut bacteria is in poor shape and in need of some assistance include, but are certainly not limited to:

  • Digestive discomfort

    If you experience frequent digestive upsets or discomfort like bloating, constipation, diarrhea, excess or malodorous gas, indigestion or heartburn, this is very likely due to poor gut health. While some of these symptoms can also be caused by medical conditions such as diverticulitis or Crohn’s disease, it’s very common for people to experience severe stomach discomfort simply due to an unhealthy gut. Research also suggests that imbalanced gut bacteria can lead to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). No matter the cause, our health professionals can help to alleviate your symptoms and manage your digestive issues by focusing on improving your gut health.

  • Fatigue and sleep disturbance

    Our gut is constantly communicating with our brain and central nervous system, so many of the chemical messengers that send signals between the body and the brain are produced and regulated by our gut microbiome. This includes sleep hormones such as serotonin and tryptophan, which are responsible for balancing and lifting mood and promoting sleep via its conversion to melatonin. When these hormones are not being produced or regulated properly, your depression increases, cravings for sugar increase and your sleep quality is reduced, meaning you are more likely to feel fatigued during the day.

  • Food cravings and weight gain

    The bacteria in our gut survives on the food we eat, so the more diverse our diet, the more diverse our gut bacteria become. Poor gut health commonly indicates that we are not eating a diet that is diverse enough to feed the varying bacteria in our gut. Commonly, people who eat a diet high in sugar and processed foods have a less diverse microbiome which, in fact, causes them to experience cravings for sugar and simple carbohydrates. It can also affect the production of hormones that make us feel full and satiated, resulting in overeating and weight gain. Try some of our healthy and delicious recipes for good gut health here. Tony Daniel our Award Winning Naturopath is a gut health specialist, in addition to helping people lose weight and feel great. (You can find more information on our successful weight loss programs here.)

Talk to our Gut Health Specialist Today!

These are three common signs of poor gut health, but you may be feeling other symptoms such as mood instability, inflammation of allergies, migraines, skin irritations, and more. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is very likely that you can alleviate them and prevent the development of more severe conditions with the help of our gut health specialist here at Capalaba Natural Health.

With our expert in gut health and naturopathy, we can help you ease your pain naturally and proactively. We take a holistic approach, looking at all elements of your health including diet, environment, activity levels, stress, and more. Our priority is to treat the origin of your symptoms to improve your physical and mental health for vitality and better quality of life.

Call us on (07) 3823 3103 to secure an appointment or book your Naturopathic digestive health consultation online now – and take the first step towards regaining your vitality.

How to Eliminate Constipation and Feel Great

By Blogs, Uncategorized

Constipation is defined as having hard, dry bowel movements or going to the toilet less than three times a week. It is one of the most common digestive issues and affects around 2.5 million people.

Constipation

What causes constipation?

Your colon’s main job is to absorb water from residual food as it’s passing through your digestive system. It then creates stool (waste).

The colon’s muscles eventually propel the waste out through the rectum to be eliminated. If your stool remains in the colon too long, it can become hard and difficult to pass.

Poor diet frequently causes constipation. Dietary fibre is necessary to provide bulk to your stool to help it pass easily. Adequate water intake is necessary to help keep stools soft. Additionally if you don’t drink enough water, around 2L per day, then your colon will suck as much water from your waste as it can, contributing to a harder stool.

Stress, changes in routine, and conditions that slow muscle contractions of the colon or delay your urge to go may also lead to constipation.

Holding on to emotions can be another factor with constipation and our resident kinesiologist Sinead can help unblock those emotions and in turn unblock your colon. You can check out what Sinead does by clicking here:

Food Intolerances are also major contributor to constipation. By eliminating the food that you are intolerant to you’ll improve your digestive health, reduce bloating, pain, discomfort and help to pass your stool normally. Click here for more information on our in-house test which will test the 59 foods most people are intolerant to… helping you regain your digestive health.

 

Constipation

How to treat and prevent constipation

  • Changing your diet and increasing your physical activity level are the easiest and fastest ways to treat and prevent constipation.
  • Add fibre rich foods to your diet, such as raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, prunes, or bran cereal. Your daily intake of fibre should be between 20 and 35 grams.
  • Drink at least two litres of water per day to keep your bowels flushed clean and lubricated.
  • Reduce diuretics which remove water from your system
  • Cut down on low-fibre foods, such as meat, milk, cheese and processed foods.
  • Add fibre supplements to your diet if needed. Just remember to drink plenty of fluids because fluids help fibre work more efficiently.
  • Remove the foods that you are intolerant to.

High fibre food to help redduce constipation

 

Click here for more information on Naturopathy or how our Naturopath can help you improve your health and wellbeing. You can Call the clinic today to see Our Award Winning Naturopath Tony to see how he can help. You can also book online here.

Could I have Celiac Disease??

By Blogs

Do I have Celiac Disease?

Is Gluten Intolerance and Celiac Disease the same?

Gluten Intolerance and suffering from Celiac Disease are quite different. This article will explain the difference and help you understand the steps needed to improve your digestive health.

What is Gluten?

Gluten is the name given to the protein found in cereals such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale (a hybrid of wheat & rye).  A person with a gluten intolerance or sensitivity may experience bloating, pain, discomfort or changes to their bowl motions after eating foods that contain gluten.

Gluten acts like a glue to help hold food together and is found in a wide range of foods including:

  • Breads
  • Soups
  • Pasta
  • Cereals
  • Sauces
  • Salad Dressings
  • Malt
  • Food Colouring
  • Beer

What is Celiac disease?

The most severe form of gluten intolerance is celiac disease. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that damages the digestive system which left untreated can lead to serious health problems. When celiac disease is ruled out in people experiencing symptoms, they are often diagnosed with either wheat allergy or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS).

Celiac disease is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. If one of your parents is celiac you should definitely get tested. Although many people live with celiac without even knowing they have it, once diagnosed they often enjoy a better quality of life.

If a Celiac consumes gluten their bodies create an immune response which attacks the villi in the small intestine. These villi look like sea anemonies and increase the surface area of your gut to increase absorption. When the villi are damaged the body cannot properly absorb nutrients which can lead to deficiencies and malnutrition.

Symptoms:

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Bloating
  • Excess gas
  • Iron-deficiency anemia
  • Weight loss
  • Constipation
  • Dermatitis
  • Depression
  • Infertility

Wheat Allergy

Wheat allergy is an immune response to any of the proteins found in wheat which includes gluten:

  • albumin
  • globulin
  • gliadin
  • glutenin, or gluten

The range of symptoms is incredibly wide from mild to severe discomfort to life threatening, with severe difficulty breathing, known as anaphylaxis. Those with a life-threatening reaction to wheat (known as anaphylactic), will usually carry EpiPen with them at all times.

Symptoms:

  • Nausea, vomiting & diarrhea
  • Nasal congestion or allergic rhinitis
  • Watery, itchy or irritated eyes
  • Mouth or throat swelling, itching or irritation
  • Hives, rash or eczema
  • Difficulty breathing, asthma or anaphylaxis
  • Headache
  • Bloated stomach

Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS)

Gluten sensitivity is sometimes referred to as gluten intolerance. Individuals with gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten but they do not show the same intestinal damage as people diagnosed with celiac disease. Intolerances are not life threatening and don’t cause anaphylaxis. These individuals share many of the same symptoms, however usually not as severe. People living with NCGS can often have symptoms outside of the intestinal organs.

Symptoms:

  • Foggy mind
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Numbness in the arms, legs or fingers
  • Fatigue
  • Other symptoms of non-coeliac gluten intolerance include:
  • Bloating
  • Excess gas
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea or constipation

How We Can Help

While an intolerance or sensitivity to certain foods including proteins found in wheat, barley, rye and triticale may not be life threatening, they can still be quite debilitating and leave you feeling unwell most of the time.

As most of the conditions discussed above have very similar symptoms, it can be challenging to know which foods or food products you are reacting to. That’s where we can help! Tony our Award Winning Naturopath is qualified to carry out food intolerance tests and help you to interpret the results. With over 60% of your immune system in your gut and it being the seat of your health … improving your digestive function can have a dramatic impact on your health and can help correct many health conditions.

Many digestive issues can be resolves by removing the offending food intolerance.

Take the first step toward a healthier you, contact one of our friendly staff today on (07) 3823 3103 to book a consultation with a health professional at Capalaba Natural Health!

 

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