Blog – Melbourne's Best Health Food Stores

Posted on 01/08/2017

POLYMYALGIA

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: POLYMYALGIA A 58 y.o arborist has been diagnosed with polymyalgia by his G.P. His symptoms are persistent pain for at least 1 month involving the following areas: neck, shoulders, and pelvic girdle, morning stiffness and loss of weight. Diet tips for pain and inflammation Increase Magnesium rich foods in your diet, these include almonds, cashews, molasses, parsnips, wholegrain cereals. Calcium rich foods are almonds, dairy products, egg yolk, green leafy vegetables, molasses and sardines Reduce acidic foods which contribute to inflammation such as red meat, sugar, alcohol, preserved and processed foods Alkalize the body by increasing foods…

Posted on 29/06/2017 29/06/2017

Naturopathic Case study of Fatty Liver

Michael,a 45 y.o. plumber presented with severe pain on the right side, bloating and nausea, His G.P. had diagnosed fatty liver disease by ultrasound. Fatty liver is a pathological increase in the fat content of liver cells that can severely compromise hepatic function. DIET: HYPO-ALLERGNIC DIET Eliminate totally alcohol of any sort Eliminate deep fried, fatty, and processed foods Aim to limit dairy foods including milk, processed cheese, cream and butter. Opt for organic low fat yogurt and cheese such as ricotta or cottage. Avoid margarines and similar type spreads. Avoid sugary processed foods and drinks Consume only free range chicken…

Posted on 21/05/2017

UNEXPLAINED FATIGUE

UNEXPLAINED FATIGUE Mary, a 59 years old secretary complained of decrease energy and breathlessness. All her blood tests were good. She had enjoyed good health in the past and was on no medications. To improve her vitality with a herbal formula and supplements Adrenal tonics also help build energy. These herbs nourish and balance the adrenal glands, the “stress managers” of the body. They improve stamina, energy, and ability to manage stress. Withania is a calming adrenal tonic and is anti-inflammatory Ginkgo improves cerebral blood flow and circulation Rhodiola strengthens the nervous system, fight depression, enhance immunity, elevate the capacity for…

Posted on 26/04/2017 26/04/2017

Naturopathic case study: ADHD

L., a little girl, 6 years old has been diagnosed with ADHHD, sensory processing disorder and concentration issues. The food intolerance test is showing high reactivity to eggs, dairy and gluten. Her sleep is very poor and broken with nightmares. She is under the care of a child psychologist. The doctor was ready to medicate the child but the parents decided on a naturopathic approach first. Treatment with supplements and herbs: To implement dietary changes in line with food intolerance test High Quality Omega 3 supplement specific for children rich in DHA: it improves child’s concentration and sleep. To…

Posted on 12/02/2017 16/05/2017

Allergies

Many people suffer in silence from allergies but allergies are not something that you simply have to put up with! It is possible to manage your allergies naturally. Common allergy symptoms include sneezing, sinus congestion, itchy eyes, persistent cough, wheezing, asthma, headaches, and skin disorders such as eczema. If you have allergies, as well as looking at symptom relief, the underlying causes such as immune imbalances or nutritional deficiencies need to be addressed in order to give you long term relief. Common causes of allergies include reacting to certain foods, food additives and pesticides, grasses and pollens, dust mites, and…

Posted on 12/02/2017 14/03/2017

MTHFR Gene Mutation

MTHFR Gene Test MTHFR is short for the enzyme, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. The MTHFR gene codes for this important enzyme that is involved in the conversion of folate (which is inactive) into its active form. The MTHFR enzyme affects this at the last step of conversion. So if you have a mutation in the gene then it’s going to be affecting how much active folate you are able to make. Folate is required for the following: Synthesis of DNA, RNA and SAMe. (more…)

Posted on 12/02/2017 14/03/2017

Skin Health

What your skin, hair and nails can tell you about your health Our outside “shell” – including our skin, hair and nails, are all part of what we call the integumentary system. This crucial barrier protects us from pathogens, pollution, other poisonous substances as well as some forms of radiation. As a result, it bares the marks of many of our lifestyle habits some of which may be symptomatic of dysfunction in other systems within the body. This includes things like poor circulation, compromised liver function, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, problems along our gastro-intestinal tract and hormonal imbalances in the…

Posted on 12/02/2017 20/04/2017

A Sick Child

Naturopathic Case Study: A Sick Child B. a 3 y.o. little boy with a history of frequent, severe chest infections, and associated diarrhoea and vomiting. He had to be admitted to hospital numerous times and had been taking antibiotics for a few months. B also has chronic allergies, suffering from constant sinus congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itchy eyes and a red rash around his mouth and torso. His digestive function was very poor, with frequent diarrhea. Development of his cognitive and motor skills was affected by his constant ill health, and his general state of poor health was adversely affecting…

Posted on 12/02/2017 26/04/2017

Fodmaps And Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable Bowel Syndrome And Fodmap With 1 in 7 Australian adults now diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), recent gastroenterological research has given the dietary intervention, FODMAPs much attention in regards to the management of the IBS symptoms. Dietary interventions have long played a vital role in the management of an IBS patient by naturopaths. Abdominal distension is the physiological basis of many functional gastrointestinal symptoms and not only presents itself as visible such as bloating, but also induces symptoms of pain and can contribute to changes in motility. (more…)

Posted on 12/02/2017 14/03/2017

When we decide to lose weight…

When we decide to lose weight, ideas of deprivation, boredom, sacrifice and even misery usually come to mind. But they don’t have to, it CAN be fun and enjoyable—if you have the right attitude and set out on your journey with the right tools—and rules—for long-term success. Treat yourself: When you decide that a particular food (or even an entire food group), is off limits for your diet, research shows that we focus on that one food even more. If you told me I could never eat chocolate again, I would feel miserable. Since willpower is in such short supply…

Posted on 12/02/2017 14/03/2017

The Pesticide Effect: Glyphosate

How does glyphosate effect our health? Glyphosate is a broad-spectrum herbicide used to kill weeds which works by inhibiting an enzyme found in plants. There are around 200 products containing glyphosate registered for use in Australia. Glyphosate has been registered for use for over 40 years. It’s probably in our garage and on our lawn. And it’s used on nearly every orchards, vineyards, and plantation crops. But what risks does it pose? An international agency declared glyphosate, the primary ingredient in the popular product Roundup, a “probable human carcinogen.” The weed killer also has made recent headlines for its widespread…

Posted on 12/02/2017 14/03/2017

Adrenal Exhaustion

Adrenal exhaustion is a term used in Naturopathy to describe the final stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS), a theory of stress response, developed by Han’s Selye in 1935. He observed that the body naturally attempts to adapt when exposed to an endogenous or exogenous stressor. The initial stage of GAS is referred to as the alarm stage or the flight-or-flight response. It is characterized by stimulation of the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and subsequent release of cortisol. (more…)

Posted on 12/02/2017 14/03/2017

Exercise

The New Year resolution for many of my customers is to start exercising or to increase their exercise routine. Physical activity and exercise is one of the main foundations of health and well-being. Exercise is an essential way which can stimulate our vitality, strength, and natural healing mechanisms of the body. Our culture seems to have a love-hate relationship with exercise and sports. On one hand, spending time on sporting events and buying sporting products are at its highest level; on the other hand, rates of obesity and metabolic diseases has been steadily increasing for decades. (more…)

Posted on 08/02/2017 14/03/2017

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

M., a 53 years old computer analyst presented with a recent diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. She experienced intermittent pain, numbness, weakness and tingling sensation day and night. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the lubricating linings around the wrist tendons and ligaments swell and thicken because of repetitive or too forceful hand movements, the resulting pressure on the nerve causes pain. Treatment: A synergistic herbal combination of hops, olive and rosemary that decreases the inflammation. Particularly helpful to manage chronic musculoskeletal pain. Vitamin B6 is recognised to quickly and effectively reduce the swelling in carpal tunnel syndrome and alleviate symptoms…

Posted on 08/02/2017 14/03/2017

Stress

Naturopathic Case Study: Stress J., a general manager, presented with physical symptoms of stress including sleep disturbances, fatigue, muscle tension, gastrointestinal disturbance, and headaches. Stress is defined as a specific bodily response to a stimulus that disturbs normal function or equilibrium. Many of the long-term consequences have been attributed to increased stress hormones production and the cascade of health issues that arises as a consequence Nutrition Avoid refined foods such as sugar and baked goods, as well as pro-inflammatory foods such as caffeine, alcohol, dairy, and animal products, which deplete vitamins and minerals that are mobilized during stress (particularly B-complex…

Posted on 08/02/2017 14/03/2017

Migraines

Melissa is head of student services in a secondary college and is getting lots of migraines. The frequency is of 2 to 3 a week and mostly on weekends. She is 55 years old. Interpretation In her case, stress, extreme fatigue and liver dysfunction are the main causes responsible for the migraines. Subluxation suffered after a whiplash is the triggering factor. The stress is due a very demanding workload with datelines, the responsibility of being the main income in her family, the worry over her husband’s health. (more…)

Posted on 08/02/2017 14/03/2017

My Anti-flu And Cold Protocol

Natural remedies, bed rest, and plenty of fluids will ease the symptoms of and speed recovery from both conditions. Nutrition and Supplements Many people are not hungry when sick with a cold or the flu because the body is focusing its energies on healing and the elimination of toxins rather than on digestion. Avoid heavy, fatty foods that take a lot of energy to digest and that contribute to the formation of mucus (especially high-fat dairy foods) in favor of light, easily digested foods such as steamed vegetables and well-cooked grains. (more…)

Posted on 08/02/2017 14/03/2017

5 Top Foods For Your Immune System

Top 5 Foods For Winter Immunity: The mercury is dropping rapidly and we are yet again bracing for the winter weather. Along with the chilly weather comes the increased risk of colds and flu, however we can do a lot to reduce our risk of infection with diet and lifestyle. During winter there are some foods that can actually support healthy immune function. Garlic –This pungent herb has documented medicinal use dating back to Ancient Egypt. Hippocrates even recommended garlic for the treatment of infections, infestations and respiratory disorders as well as indigestion. Garlic contains organosulphur compounds and numerous clinical…

Posted on 08/02/2017 14/03/2017

Sinusitis/Rhinitis

Naturoapthic Case Study: Allergic Sinusitis/Rhinitis A 51 y.old male client presented with nasal discharge, sneezing, itchy eyes and nose, headaches and facial pain. He had a few successful treatments with his G.P. but the problem keeps coming back. Sinusitis can be caused by allergy and/or infection and it can bring on rhinitis. In this case both are co-existing. Rhinitis is an inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane. Allergic rhinitis is caused by any allergen, usually an inhalant such as pollen. Hay fever is a seasonal form of allergic rhinitis. Priority treatment: Herbs and Supplements * To reduce the allergic and…

Posted on 01/02/2017 14/03/2017

Latest News In Weight Loss

Most Australian’s need to lose weight as it will dramatically improve their well being and longevity. Side benefits are that your exercise and sport performance will improve and you will look better! Here are some information for your weight loss program and products which will help you for this. Forget all the fad diets, the egg diet, the grape diet, first rule is never to be hungry. That means eating smaller meals more often – having the right snacks between the three main meals per day. (more…)