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HAYFEVER

Three weeks ago, a young man suffering from hay fever came into the store to ask for advice. I suggested the following herbs and nutrients to help manage his symptoms of allergies naturally, as well as rebalancing his immune function. Perilla (Perilla frutescens) – great herb that is beneficial in the treatment of hay fever, asthma and sinusitis. It can be used to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions, particularly of the upper respiratory tract. Atractylodes (Atractylodes lancea) – this herb is beneficial for hayfever, nasal congestion, asthma, and dermatitis. It also helps the immune system to fight colds and…

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NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: DNA TESTING

A young couple came to see me after experiencing two spontaneous miscarriages. Through DNA testing, it revealed that both the man and the woman had a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. This means that their capacities to generate the active form of folate were significantly compromised, putting their pregnancy at risk for birth defects and miscarriage. Pregnancy protocol: First a detox of 8 weeks was implemented where the focus was on healthy food, no alcohol and no sugary foods. Then the following program was initiated to support a healthy pregnancy A prenatal vitamin that included a…

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Blood Pressure Problem

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: BLOOD PRESSURE Jack, a 35 year old, presented with a slightly elevated blood pressure due his stressful position as a technical director.   Some key nutrients that are well researched for their effects on improving Cardiovascular health: *Magnesium: Magnesium is necessary for the health of your muscles and nervous system.  Magnesium helps the blood vessels muscle cells to relax – the more relaxed they are, the lower your blood pressure will be! The best magnesium is diglycinate form which is very well tolerated and well absorbed. *Taurine: Taurine is another nutrient that will help maintain healthy blood pressure. It…

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NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: DYSGLYCEMIA

Brigitte, 35 year old personal assistant, is presenting with overwhelming fatigue in the afternoon, anxious with fluctuating moods and bouts of depression. Dysglycemia refers to any abnormalities in blood glucose levels that lead to disease. Abnormally high, low or unstable glucose levels indicate a lack of control that can be attributed to a variety of causes. Glucose, the sugar in our blood, is essential to health because it is required for the formation of ATP, the energy molecule in our bodies, which is necessary for every organ and cell to function. The brain primarily relies on glucose as a source…

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Cellulite

Sarah, a 30 year old computer analyst was worried about her ongoing cellulite problem on her arms, thighs and legs. In technical term, cellulite is the dimpling of the skin caused by the protrusion of subcutaneous fat into the dermis creating undulating tissue. It’s often described as “orange peel” skin. The first approach for lasting results is to improve the liver function, the digestion and the circulation. We started with  digestive supplements  for her liver and gall bladder. The herbs will stimulate her pancreatic enzyme production and secretion.  They will speed up the clearance of toxins stored in fat cells. We…

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A complex presentation

Amanda, a 53 year old  accountant presented with medically diagnosed irritable bowel syndrome, fatty liver and constant lethargy. She is very often sick with colds and coughs. First consultation: Gastro-intestinal repair and nutritional support – Gastro-intestinal repair: formula made of glutamine, slippery elm and specific probiotics, good gut integrity is indispensable for long term health. – A good multivitamin/mineral with high B12 and high folic acid, her nutritional status was decreased due to the poor absorption caused by the IBS – Extra magnesium, zinc and vitamin D 5000 I.U. as these deficiencies were noted. – Diet modifications: reduce coffee, alcohol,…

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LOW MOODS

NATUROPATHIC  CASE STUDY: LOW MOOD M, a 55 years old secretary has been suffering of “low mood” and anxiety for a couple of months and the condition is getting worse with the Holiday Season approaching. To implement a gentle detoxification program for 7 days: To eliminate: Alcohol, milk products (except ½ cup unsweetened yoghurt with a good probiotic each day), sugar, honey, maple syrup, artificial sweeteners, coffee, grains such as wheat (bread, biscuits, cakes, pasta), rye, barley, oats, spelt and dried fruit. To include: fresh fruit and fresh vegetables, fresh fish or canned fish in water or olive oil, lean…

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SPRING CLEANSE

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: SPRING CLEANSE 47 years old, civil engineer, is presenting with joint swelling, pain, history of upset stomach, diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome by his G.P. The blood tests are good. He is chronically tired with sore muscles. All this started two years ago after contracting gastroenteritis overseas. First consultation: Short term protocol to reduce inflammation To address the pain with a very specific probiotic and nutrients like glutamine and Boswellia to relieve the gastrointestinal symptoms and reduce gastrointestinal inflammation To address diet with an anti-inflammatory diet for 3 months, reducing coffee to one a day, to eliminate…

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ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT URINARY TRACT INFECTION

NATUROPATHIC CASE STUDY: ANTIBIOTIC-RESISTANT UTI M., a 50 year old sales assistant presented with a history of urinary tract infections (UTIs), including a current UTI of five months duration. Her symptoms included low back pain, urinary urgency, digestive discomfort, exhaustion and emotional distress. In the preceding five months the patient had been prescribed three separate antibiotics with no resolution and the patient was diagnosed with antibiotic-resistant UTI. Herbs and supplements: Herbal support for urinary disturbance: Concentrate traditional herbs to relieve and manage urinary disturbances with sensations of pain and burning: Cleavers along with Bearberry to support kidney and bladder health…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…)

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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…

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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…

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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…)

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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…

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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…

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