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Sep 12
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Man with Digestive Issues

What a Pain in the Gut!!!

By Blogs

Are you experiencing digestive issues, skin problems, or get sick easily and don’t know where to start?

There are many signs and symptoms of dysfunction ranging from bloating, reflux, pain, excess gas, headaches, migraines, nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, brain fog, confusion, rashes, eczema, acne, poor immune response, asthma, hay fever, auto-immune conditions and many more.

Naturally it can be difficult to know what’s causing or aggravating these things, so knowing where to start is challenging and sometimes overwhelming.

Luckily, we are here to help!

Whilst there are different things that can be done to help people with different conditions, sometimes testing is necessary to gain clarity on what is happening in the body.

There are many different tests available, and at Capalaba Natural Health our naturopaths can help assess which testing can be used to evaluate your specific problems, and then determine the relevant individualised treatment plan that suits you.

Two common tests that we use in the clinic and that can help shed light are the 96 IgG Food Intolerant Test, and the Complete Microbiome Mapping panel.

IgG Food Intolerant Test

Testing for adverse food reactions is useful to identify which foods are responsible for causing your symptoms. Using blood from a simple finger prick, this IgG Food Intolerant Test will check the 96 commonly eaten foods, and you will receive a report listing how much you react to the foods, so you will know what foods are to be avoided.

Man with Digestive Issues

The severity of the intolerance will determine whether you need to just reduce the food generally or give up the food completely.

Having done over 2000 IgG tests we often find that most people’s digestive issues disappear or improve significantly when they give up the foods that they are intolerant to.

Inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn’s, Colitis and Ulcerative Colitis generally also improve significantly when you remove inflammatory causing food intolerances.

Complete Microbiome Mapping Panel

The Complete Microbiome Mapping Panel on the other hand, tests a range of things from a stool sample you complete at home. Using DNA PCR technology it screens for pathogenic ‘Bad’ bacteria, commensal ‘Good’ bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, fungi, viruses, SIBO and parasites that cause disease or contribute to illness. It also has markers which indicate the presence of functional conditions such as increased inflammation, leaky gut and also whether you have the right level of key nutrients that your digestive tract needs to repair itself.

We often use this test if your symptom picture doesn’t indicate food intolerances as a primary driver or when your symptoms are a result of an infection such as ‘Bali Belly’ etc… It’s also a great test to access your overall digestive health and gives specific pointers how to improve it.

So if you have ongoing digestive issues that you want resolved, why not give us a call on 3823 3103 and see how we can help you.

Jul 11
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Intolerant to yeast

Do you think you are Gluten Intolerant?

By Blogs

Are you Gluten Intolerant or could it be something else?

A lot of people may think they are intolerant to gluten, but did you know it could be other things as well.

Firstly, what is Gluten?

Gluten is a general name used for the proteins found in wheat, rye, spelt, couscous, barley, and sometimes oats (in small amounts usually due to cross contamination). Processed foods often contain some of these as ingredients, as gluten can act as the ‘glue’ to help food hold together and maintain its shape. It also helps give bread a fluffier texture.

So, what is the difference between wheat and gluten?

Wheat is a grain that contains gluten, whereas gluten is in many foods not just wheat. For example, ‘wheat free’ products may contain rye flour which contains gluten.

If I have a reaction to bread, how do I know if it is a wheat or gluten intolerance? Or is it something else?

We do a lot of food intolerance testing in the clinic and over the years we have noticed certain trends emerge. One common trend is that a lot of people who react to bread think they are gluten intolerant, but it is often yeast that they are intolerant too and not gluten.

40% of people who do our Food Intolerant to yeastIntolerance Test are Yeast intolerant, while only 1-2% are gluten intolerant.

Where do you find yeast?

Yeast is a single cell fungus, and is found in many different foods including: breads, peanuts, dried fruits, mushrooms, truffles, cheese, pickled foods, vinegar, vegemite, dried meats/fish, condiments, fermented alcohols: e.g. beer and wine, fermented soy products, and many more…

What are the symptoms of yeast intolerance?

There can be a variety of symptoms including: Bloating, flatulence, constipation, diarrhoea, joint pain, inflammatory bowel disease, fibromyalgia, headaches/migraines, dizziness, rashes, eczema, lethargy, chronic fatigue, brain fog, sinus, insomnia, water retention, and weight gain.

We had one client who kept getting hospitalised every 4-6 years for digestive pain. His specialists were unable to find out what was wrong with him. We did a food intolerance test and identified he was highly intolerant to yeast. Upon giving up yeast he has never been back to hospital. At Capalaba Natural Health we can do an affordable Food Intolerance Test in the clinic, without the need for expensive pathology testing. You can even have the results within 45minutes before leaving the clinic.

The test includes 59 commonly eaten foods (including wheat, gluten, dairy, eggs and yeast) with a simple prick of the finger. A qualified Naturopath will then give you a full explanation of what you are intolerant to and what foods you need to avoid along with some alternatives

Call us now and get results!

Feb 06
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Low Vagal tone increases stress

Is your Vagus Nerve causing you Problems

By Blogs

Could your Vagus Nerve be causing you Problems?

 

What is the Vagus Nerve?

The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body, connecting our brain to important organs such as the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach and intestines.  It is both a complex and versatile part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is associated with our ‘rest and digest’ response, promoting relaxation and recovery. It helps with reducing our stress and especially bringing us back to our normal state after a stressful episode.

Acting as a communication facilitator between the brain and the gut … the vagus nerve helps to regulate a wide range of physiological processes in the body such as digestion, heart rate, gag reflex, respiration and anti-inflammatory responses.

You have probably heard the term ‘mind-gut connection’, in addition to the regulation of bodily functions, the vagus nerve is associated with a variety of psychological processes including stress responses and emotional regulation.

What is Vagal Tone and Why is it Important?

Vagal tone is used to describe the overall functioning of the vagus nerve. When vagal tone is high, it means that the parasympathetic nervous system is more active, promoting slower heart rate, easy digestion, less inflammation and a general state of relaxation.

When vagal tone is low, it means that the parasympathetic nervous system is less active and that our sympathetic or stress response system is more active.

As the vagus nerve helps regulate inflammation in the body when its function is compromised, inflammation increases, activating the body’s sympathetic nervous system, or, ‘fight or flight’ stress response.

Vagus NerveVagus nerve dysfunction can appear in a wide range of conditions, including the following:-

  • Gastrointestinal issues such as irritable bowel syndrome and acid reflux
  • Coughing or swallowing issues
  • Cardiovascular conditions such as irregular heart rate, heart palpitations and high or low blood pressure
  • Respiratory issues such as asthma and COPD
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks
  • Depression or low mood
  • Autoimmune disease
  • Chronic pain
  • Increased inflammation

Vagus nerve dysfunction can occur for a number of reasons, including emotional or physical trauma, physical injuries, infection and stress.  Without increasing vagal tone, dysfunction leads to a vicious cycle of stress which leads to further dysregulation, which leads to even more stress!

How to Treat Vagal Dysfunction

Does any of this sound like you?  Help is at hand!  We can help improve vagal tone using Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM).  FSM is a safe, painless and non-invasive treatment that uses a mild electrical current to target specific conditions and areas of the body. FSM treatments can deliver significant changes, with some people feeling the results of a treatment immediately.

By using specific frequencies, we can improve vagal tone, restore better sympathethetic and parasympathetic balance and reduce stress. Improving vagal tone helps result in the restoration of effective communication by the vagus nerve to the organs to restore harmony to both your body and mind.

For more information on Frequency Specific Microcurrent click here.

Nov 01
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Woman relaxing getting a Frequency Specific Microcurrent treatment

Frequency Specific Microcurrent

By Blogs

Frequency Specific Microcurrent Brisbane

 

I have just returned from some advanced Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) training and what a course it was!  I can’t wait to put everything I learned into practice and provide an even better healing experience for you.

For those who aren’t familiar with FSM, it is a holistic system of treatment which targets a specific condition by using electrical pulses to create change at the cellular level to reduce symptoms and improve health.  Frequency Specific Microcurrent pulses can reduce pain, reduce inflammation and promote healing of many different tissue types including skin, tendons, discs, facets, muscles, connective tissue and nerves.

FSM treatments are non-invasive, painless and relaxing, with a lot of my clients feeling improvement quickly – sometimes as soon as immediately after the treatment. Click here to read more about Frequency Specific Microcurrent Australia.

Woman with sore back in need of Frequency Specific Microcurrent Treatment

Conditions which will benefit from Frequency Specific Microcurrent

 

The best thing about FSM is that a wide range of conditions can benefit from FSM treatments – there are too many to list in this blog, so here are just a few of the many conditions that may benefit from a FSM treatment:-

  • Abdominal discomfort, pain and digestive issues
  • Asthma, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions
  • Back and neck pain
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Bursitis
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Ehlers Danlos
  • Emotional issues such as grief, anxiety, PTSD
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Fractures and broken bones
  • Gout
  • Inflammation – both general body and organ specific
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Immune system support
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • IBD
  • Lymphedema
  • Muscle pain and sports injuries
  • Nerve pain
  • Neuromuscular pain and inflammation
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Post surgical pain and wound healing support
  • Sciatica
  • Shingles
  • Soft tissue injuries, sprains and strains
  • Tendonitis, tendon and ligament injuries and pain
  • And more …

 

If any of these conditions sound like you, don’t suffer with pain or discomfort for one more minute – help is at hand!  Give the clinic a call today to book in for a Frequency Specific Microcurrent Brisbane treatment and get yourself back onto the path of wellness.

Sep 15
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Weight Loss for Summer

Weight Loss for Summer.

By Blogs

Start Weight Loss now to create your Summer Body

Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner, bringing with it the warmer weather, longer days and, of course, Christmas!

The arrival of spring can be the trigger for many people wanting to lose weight.  The months of cooler weather and curling up on the couch eating delicious comfort food can lead to the addition of an extra few kilos as well as a drop in energy levels – not to mention the freak out when you remember that you have a whole summer wardrobe that you need to fit into! Spring and summer foods such as lean meats, chicken, fish and salads are perfect for weight loss.

If you can relate to this, don’t despair!  We are here to help and support you to achieve your weight loss goals.  Our award-wiNaturopath Weight Loss Specialistnning naturopath weight loss specialist, Tony, has helped over 3,000 people to not only successfully lose weight, but also to keep it off, by teaching strategies to form healthy habits and choices.  People who have completed our natural weight loss program feel and look fantastic, including those who came to us at their wit’s end after trying every other diet out there.  The most common feedback we receive is how easy the diet plan is to follow and how well it truly does work.  The results we see in the clinic of losses between 1-2kg per week speak for themselves.

When you lose weight – you feel great and when you feel great, you look great!  Your energy levels increase, joint pain and inflammation eases and cellulite significantly reduces.

The hCG Diet for Weight Loss

Our hCG diet is our most popular and is made up of a low-calorie diet together with natural homeopathic weight loss drops, which help to suppress the appetite so that you are not feeling hungry. The drops also stimulate your body to take energy from your body’s own fat stores, rather than solely from the food that you are eating, resulting in the eradication of those pesky stubborn areas of fat that just won’t budge. The hCG diet is a wholefoods-based diet and is very easy to stick to. Most people don’t feel hungry, have more energy and feel great while losing between 1 – 2 kg per week. It’s easy to follow and highly effective.

As part of the diet plan, you receive the dietary protocol book which gives an overview of the diet including what foods to eat, your hCG Diet recipe book, homeopathic weight loss hCG drops and access to our closed hCG Diet Facebook support group. You can also call the clinic any time for support or you can come in and see Tony for a Naturopath weight loss appointment.

Free Weight Loss Assessment

To get started, click on the link below to book in for a no obligation, free 30 minute weight loss consult at our Capalaba clinic. You can book online here or by calling us on 3823 3103. During your free weight loss assessment, our naturopath weight loss specialist, Tony, will put you on our VLA machine to measure what is going on in your body including your fat content, muscle, hydration and dehydration levels, inflammation as well as your biological age, giving you a starting baseline. He will also go through the diet plan in detail. This an absolutely no obligation consultation so what have you got to lose?… except maybe some weight!

Click the link for more information on our free 30min weight loss assessment and the hCG diet as well as how our naturopath can help you reach your weight loss goals.

Why not start your Weight Loss Now and Lose 12kg before Xmas

Kick off your summer body today!  Not only will you look great but you will also feel great, with more energy to run around with the kids, swim in the ocean and look fantastic at those Christmas parties and special events during the festive period.

Aug 25
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Brisbane Naturopath

What Does a Naturopath Do?

By Blogs

As more and more people are becoming aware of their health and wellness alternative medicine is gaining popularity. One such field is naturopathy, a holistic approach to healing that uses natural remedies, diet, food intolerance testing and weight loss to help the body heal itself. If you’ve ever wondered, “What does a naturopath do?” or searched for “the best naturopath near me,” this blog post will provide all the answers you need.

Understanding Naturopathy

Naturopathy, also known as naturopathic medicine, is a system of treatment that aims to provide holistic healthcare by combining traditional medical practices with modern scientific knowledge. The primary goal of a naturopath is to identify and treat the root cause of illness rather than just managing symptoms. This approach allows for long-term health benefits and prevention of chronic diseases.

The Role of a Naturopath

A naturopath is a healthcare provider who practices naturopathy and uses various natural therapies including herbal medicine, nutrition, iridology, homeopathy, weight loss, and tests such as food intolerance testing. A consultation with a naturopath might include an in-depth discussion about your lifestyle, diet, stress, anxiety or depression levels, digestive health, body composition and exercise habits. They then devise a personalised treatment plan that addresses not only your physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing.

Naturopaths believe in the body’s inherent ability to heal itself if given the right conditions. At Capalaba Natural Health we focus on promoting health and preventing disease through natural means. We focus on Improving Digestive Health, Increasing Energy Levels, Reducing Stress, Depression, Anxiety and Pain plus weight loss if required.

Brisbane Naturopath

Naturopathy in Brisbane: A Growing Trend

In recent years there has been an increase in demand for alternative healthcare providers like naturopaths in Brisbane due to the growing awareness about holistic health practices among residents. Many people are now seeking out these services as part of their overall wellness strategy.

There are numerous highly qualified and experienced practitioners providing top-notch services across Brisbane city and its suburbs making it easy for those searching “naturopath Brisbane” or “naturopath near me” online.

Finding the Best Naturopath Near Me

If you’re looking for “the best naturopath near me,” there are several factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that they have proper qualifications from an accredited institution. In Australia for instance, a qualified naturopath should have at least an Advanced Diploma in Naturopathy or equivalent qualification. They should also belong to a professional association such as ANTA or ATMS.

Secondly, look for someone who takes time to understand your unique needs and preferences instead of offering one-size-fits-all solutions. The best naturopaths will take into account your personal circumstances when designing your treatment plan.

Lastly, consider their area of specialisation. Some naturopaths specialise in specific areas such as women’s health or digestive disorders while others offer general services. Depending on your needs, you may want to choose someone who has expertise in treating conditions similar to yours.

Naturopath Weight Loss Specialist

The owner and Naturopath at Capalaba Natural Health, Tony Daniel, is an Award Winning Naturopath with over 15 years of clinical experience and has help thousands of people improve their health by reducing or eliminating symptoms. Tony likes to identify and treat the underlying causes of symptoms to achieve better and long lasting improvements. Tony is a qualified Naturopath and a member of ANTA.

So if you’re looking for a holistic approach towards achieving optimal health and wellbeing then consulting with a skilled naturopath might be just what you need! Remember that finding the right practitioner requires some research but it’s worth it when you find someone who understands your needs perfectly!

Whether you’re dealing with a chronic illness, looking to lose weight, reduce pain or increase energy levels or simply want to improve your overall health status – don’t hesitate to reach out to us today! And if you’re located in Brisbane or near Capalaba or its surrounding areas – rest assured there is a great Naturopath located near you. We can be reached by calling 07 3823 3103.

For anyone further afield we also do telephone or Zoom consultations.

So next time when someone asks “What does a naturopath do?”, don’t forget to share this blog post with them!

Jun 20
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Woman Sleeping after treatment from Naturopath Brisbane

Natural Solutions for Sleep Problems

By Blogs

Are you getting the recommended 7-9 hours of sleep per night? No? Well, while that’s a tad concerning, you’re certainly not alone.

Sleep is one of the best (and FREE!) things we can do for our overall health and wellbeing, yet over half (59.4%) of all Australians experience regular sleep issues.

With today’s busy lifestyle, sleep tends to slide down our list of priorities, however this can have a serious impact on your energy and stress levels and quality of life. There’s only so much coffee can fix, and let’s just agree that caffeine is not a long-term solution!

What’s even more alarming is that getting too much or too little sleep has been directly linked to serious health conditions, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, weight gain and stroke.

If you are tired of being tired, seeking help from our naturopath for sleep problems will soon have you back on track with effective, natural solutions for better days – and nights!

What are the most common Sleep Problems?

The most common issues include:

  • Regularly getting less sleep, or sleeping longer, than recommended for your age group.
  • Poor sleep quality, including taking too long to fall asleep, waking frequently, snoring, and waking feeling unrefreshed.
  • Diagnosable sleep disorders, such as insomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea, restless leg syndrome, weight induced sleep apnoea and chronic fatigue.

All of the above can lead to daytime symptoms of sleepiness, fatigue, irritability, depression and moodiness. This can take an incredible toll on an individual, negatively impacting your work or school performance and even your relationships.

But never fear – our award-winning naturopath Tony can assist with natural solutions to help you boot those pesky sleep problems right out of bed!

Why see a Naturopath for Sleep Problems

Far from just prescribing sleeping pills (also never a long-term solution, people!), a naturopathic approach involves taking the time to assess your unique circumstances and health history. This allows our naturopath to identify the underlying causes of your sleep disturbances, and develop a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs.

As part of your consultation, you will likely be:

  • Asked numerous questions around your sleep patterns and sleep hygiene.
  • Also asked questions to help identify potential triggers such as stress, anxiety, depression or environmental factors.
  • Tested to identify nutrient deficiencies which may affect your sleep.
  • Given a personalised treatment plan. Based on the outcome of your comprehensive assessment, our naturopath will work with you on a holistic treatment plan designed to restore that restful shuteye, along with your energy and vitality. Hallelujah!

Naturopathic Treatment Options

Depending on your personal circumstances, our naturopath may include some of the following in your treatment plan:

  1. Herbal or homeopathic medicine. In naturopathy, we offer various herbal remedies known for their calming and sleep-inducing properties. Examples could include ziziphus, chamomile, passionflower, and lavender, all of which promote relaxation and enhance sleep quality. We also use homeopathic sleep preparations to assist you to get to sleep, and also get back to sleep if you wake.
  2. Nutritional support. Diet plays a crucial role in overall health, including sleep. Our naturopath may recommend specific foods or supplements based on the results of our in-house testing, such as magnesium, calcium, B vitamins, or supplements to raise your serotonin … which is the precursor to your sleep hormone melatonin.
  3. Lifestyle modifications. Adopting healthy sleep habits and making lifestyle modifications can be vital to solving sleep problems. A natural approach to sleep problems will include helping you to improve your sleep hygiene – for example, creating a consistent bedtime routine, reducing phone or screen time and blue light exposure, a sleep-friendly environment, and incorporating stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga into your lifestyle.
  4. Stress Management. Stress and anxiety are common culprits behind sleep disturbances. At Capalaba Natural Health we can help you manage stress through relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, Frequency Specific Microcurrent and other natural therapies, promoting a calmer state of mind conducive to restful sleep.

If you’re experiencing problems with your sleep, please know, that with a little support from a naturopath, those forty (plus) winks could be well within reach!

Contact Capalaba Natural Health today on 3823 3103 to book an appointment with our award-winning naturopath, Tony.

 

May 30
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Over the Counter VS Naturopath Supplements

By Blogs

Grabbing your vitamins and other supplements off the supermarket shelf might seem quick and easy – but in reality, you could just be throwing your money away.

It’s true! If we had a dollar for every person who told us that, despite all the supplements they’re taking, they’re just not feeling the benefits … Well, we’d have a whole lotta dollars!

woman choosing supplements at supermarket

That’s not to say there aren’t benefits to be gained from some over the counter supplements.

However without a full understanding of the ingredients and – importantly – what’s really going on in your body, you’re just not going to get the results you’re hoping for. Far better to seek guidance from a health professional, like a naturopath.

What does a Naturopath do?

A naturopath is a qualified health practitioner, trained to look deep beneath your symptoms at your holistic health, to create a tailored, ongoing health plan suited to your individual needs. They may prescribe naturopath supplements in combination with other natural treatments, such as Food Intolerance Testing or Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) for pain relief.

Often your symptoms are caused from 1 or 2 underlying issues and when these drop away lots of things improve simultaneously. Rather than take supplements for each symptom it’s best to let your Naturopath treat the main causes. This will give you better results and save you money.

Why Choose Naturopath Supplements?

There are some very good reasons why naturopath supplements are more beneficial for your health and wellbeing, such as:

  • Proven benefits. Naturopathic supplements are created at a therapeutic dose, meaning they are higher in concentration than retail supplements, and scientifically proven to be effective in treating the particular condition.
  • Better absorption. Vitamins, minerals and herbs come in many different forms that are absorbed at different rates, and have different results in the body. For example, Ferro-C (ferrous fumerate), an iron tablet commonly found in chemists, can be poorly absorbed and lead to constipation. A naturopath on the other hand is able to prescribe iron supplements which are non-constipating and have a higher bio-availablity.
  • Safety. Just because something is ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s safe for everyone. Some herbs and nutrients can actually have a negative reaction with some medications (yikes!), so guidance from a trained health professional is crucial.
  • No hidden extras. Over the counter supplements often have preservatives or bulking agents added, which has potential to cause a reaction, whereas naturopath supplements are 100% natural.

Can naturopathic supplements help me?

 If you’re experiencing virtually any ailment, there’s a naturopath supplement for you! Some of the most common concerns that we see in our naturopath clinic include: 

  • Gut health. Digestive concerns like bloating, constipation and indigestion may be treated with herbal preparations of digestive supports like ginger, turmeric and slippery elm, and a live probiotic such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus(LGGÂŽ), to help restore good gut health and function.
  • Food intolerances. At Capalaba Natural Health, we offer a quick and easy food intolerance test to identify what is causing your digestive issues, and work with you on a holistic health plan that may include eliminating certain foods and adding supplements to help boost your health.
  • Anxiety and stress. After identifying the main drivers of your anxiety and stress, a tailored treatment plan may include adaptagenic herbs which help improve your energy and ability to cope with your daily stresses, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and iron – all effective in relaxing the nervous system and enhancing its ability to cope with stress.
  • Experiencing constant tiredness is the pits, but we can help get to the bottom of your concerns and start building that vitality up, utilising a mix of natural medications (including herbs like Siberian ginseng, rhodiola and ashwagandha) and nutritional guidance.
  • A personalised health plan for pain could include things like Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) treatment to relieve pain and encourage natural healing of the body, and a magnesium supplement to help with reducing muscular aches and pains and increase cellular energy production. PEA is also a great natural pain reliever especially for inflammatory conditions such as Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, TMJ Disfunction and other joint issues.

When it comes to your health, it’s so important to follow personalised, proper, and safe advice from a professional.

Keen to learn more, or wanting to feel healthier and happier? Contact Capalaba Natural Health today on 3823 3103 to book an appointment with Tony our award-winning naturopath!

 

Apr 27
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body with question mark on tummy to indicate what are the signs of good gut health

6 Signs of Good Gut Health

By Blogs

Do you have the guts to be healthy?! Good gut health is far more important than we once thought, as it is not just about preventing problems with digestion.

body with question mark on tummy to indicate a gut health test is needed

For example, the digestive system:

  • Is now known as our ‘second brain’ – it has that much control over our mind and body!
  • Is closely tied to our immune system. As the father of medicine Hippocrates once said, “All diseases begin in the gut”.
  • Has a huge impact on our moods and mental health.

Suddenly all those timeworn phrases about “gut instinct”, “trusting your gut”, and having a “gut feeling” take on a whole new layer of meaning!

Why is good gut health important?

When we have a healthy gut, our body is able to get maximum benefit from the food we eat. It is able to absorb nutrients, providing us with fuel for energy, growth, and cell repair, so that our body works properly and stays healthy. Our gut is also an important defence mechanism and generates vital hormones and vitamins which are essential for good health.

Signs of a Happy Gut!

While the signs of good gut health might seem elementary to some – if you’ve never had a healthy gut, you may not realise what is seen as “normal”! So here are six signs of good gut health:

  1. How long does digestion take? It should take between 12 to 24 hours from the time you’ve eaten the food until the time it has passed; generally, 1 to 2 bowel movements per day is a good sign that food is passing as normal.
  2. Good bowel movements: Many things constitute a good bowel movement which include texture, shape and buoyancy. As with anything, moderation is key; extremes such as loose stools, or rock hard pebbles, are not signs of good gut health.
  3. No excess gas or bloating: Some gas is expected after eating but if you have excessive gas or feel bloated after eating, it’s quite possible that you have an unhealthy gut or food intolerances.
  4. Sleeping well and waking energised: There is a direct correlation between getting a good night’s sleep and a healthy gut.
  5. Positive mood: Having good gut health means you are less likely to suffer from anxiety, stress or depression. Did you know 95% of your body’s serotonin (your body’s natural mood stabiliser) is generated from your gut?
  6. Memory and Focus: If you have good gut health, you may take your good memory retention and the ability to focus for granted!

smile on tummy indicates good gut health

About 70% of our immune system is housed in the gut. Our microbiome (the micro-organisms that exist in the gut environment) is meant to promote normal digestive function and keep the gut barrier intact. However, it is also instrumental in protecting our body from infection, as well as the production of certain compounds which can affect your mental health and moods. These are known as neurotransmitters and include:

  • GABA: The calming brain chemical which helps reduce anxiety, stress and fear.
  • Serotonin: The happy hormone that helps regulate your mood.
  • Dopamine: Another “feel good” hormone, linked to the pleasure and reward centres in the brain.

Do you need a gut health test?

It’s quite clear that when our gut isn’t working well, it’s not just our gut that suffers – there are knock-on effects elsewhere in the body, including the brain.

Our modern lifestyle bears much of the blame for the current epidemic of poor gut health, particularly the rise in our consumption of refined, processed and fast foods. All too often these are bereft of nutrients, and packed instead with chemicals or empty calories.

However poor gut health may also occur due to a number of other factors, such as food intolerances, stress, the environment, and certain medications.

If you suffer from symptoms such as:

  • Gas/flatulence;
  • Bloating;
  • Heartburn;
  • Abdominal pain;
  • Poor or irregular bowel movements, eg constipation of diarrhoea;
  • Nausea; or
  • Indigestion;

There is no need to suffer any longer, as at Capalaba Natural Health, our award-winning naturopath specialises in gut health issues.

Through an in-depth consultation, and a gut health test, we can determine your specific digestive issues and help you to repair and restore your gut health naturally.  Treatment may include herbal preparations or naturopathic supplements, eliminating certain foods from your diet, and other lifestyle modifications.

happy people with good gut health

When you prioritise good gut health, you will soon discover what it is like to be the absolute best version of you. Contact Capalaba Natural Health today to book an appointment with our naturopath and set your gut – and your body – up for good health!

Mar 16
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Desserts and Drinks for the hCG Diet

By Blogs

Most diets can make it seem like life just isn’t worth living – they leave you feeling hungry, weak and irritable.

And then, you’re expected to exercise!

Thankfully, the HcG weight loss program is very different. Imagine – a diet where you don’t feel hungry, and keep your energy and motivation! It’s no wonder we have seen so many of our clients find success with the HcG diet!

Happy Woman after losing weight on The HcG Diet

What is the HCG Diet?

The HcG diet is based on the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin hormone, which is produced by the placenta in early pregnancy.

It changes the body’s metabolism and triggers the body to burn excess fat or energy. This means you can lose a large amount of weight – quickly – without the need for exercise, and your appetite also diminishes.

There are three phases of the HcG diet: 

Phase 1: the Loading Phase, where you begin taking HcG drops and eat high fat, high calorie foods for 2 days. 

Phase 2: Weight Loss Phase. As you move into this stage, you continue taking HcG but only eat 500 calories per day. This is achieved by eating two main meals per day – usually lunch and dinner – plus snacks consisting of fruit and rice crackers for between 3 to 7 weeks.

Phase 3: Maintenance Phase. During this phase, you stop taking HcG then gradually increase your food intake for 3 weeks.

As with many diets, it’s recommended to avoid sugar as it interferes with the body’s metabolism and can undo all your hard work.

That said, we all hanker for a bit of a treat every now and then, so we’ve pulled together some ideas for HcG diet desserts and drinks.

HCG Diet Desserts, Drinks, and Recipes

Guilt-Free Chocolate:  Chocoholics rejoice! Our guilt-free chocolate recipe is a decadent mix of coconut, sultanas, goji berries and cacao. You can even include some salted caramel, rum, almond or peppermint essence … or grated orange peel to take it to the next level.

Spicy Stewed Apples: Apple and cinnamon were made for each other, and are easy to make when you use our recipe for spicy stewed apples.

In addition to being helpful for digestive issues, apples are known to satiate your appetite – while cinnamon helps to boost metabolism and balance blood sugar levels.

Baked Pears: Pears and peaches are also delicious when halved, sprinkled with cinnamon and baked in the oven.

Other HcG Diet Dessert Ideas

Strawberries can be enjoyed on their own, or how about making strawberry chips? Slice the berries finely, then place on an oven tray covered in baking paper. Bake for approximately 2 hours or until crisp; turning them over about halfway through. They’re sensational straight out of the oven or can be put in an airtight container once they’ve cooled.

Some clients also dip their strawberries in the Guilt Free Chocolate for another delicious twist!

During Phase 3, the range of HcG diet desserts can be expanded with delectable dishes such as this avocado chocolate mousse.

These dessert ideas prove that while sugary treats are off-limits when on the HcG diet, there are other, healthier alternatives.

Delicious HcG-Friendly Drinks

There are many delicious drinks that can be used on the HcG diet to add some sparkle and a twist to your day. How about a Sparkling Citrus and Mint Drink? Maybe a Lemon Slushy or Tony’s favourite Hot (Or Cold) Chocolate?

Yummy Hot Chocolate: Tony’s yummy Hot Chocolate is delicious and easy to make. Simply add 1-2 teaspoons of Cacao, 1 teaspoon of Xylitol (Natural sugar alternative), ¾ cup of boiling water and top up with milk or soya milk.

If you want to achieve your weight loss goals and rediscover your health and vitality, book an appointment with our award-winning naturopath today to find out if the HcG diet is suitable for you!

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