HEALTH HUB Latest Articles
Sunshine Helps Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer
Sunshine Helps Reduce The Risk Of Breast Cancer By naturopath Margaret Jasinska A large body of medical research has shown that women who get more sunshine have a reduced risk of breast cancer. Getting one hour of sunshine per day during the summer months when the sun is high in the sky had a significant protective effect. Getting the sun exposure during adolescence was most beneficial for reduced lifetime risk of breast cancer. This finding comes from a systematic review and metanalysis of studies and was published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives. Spending time in the sunshine [...]
Gestational diabetes raises autism risk
Gestational diabetes raises autism risk By Margaret Jasinska Gestational diabetes is the fastest growing type of diabetes in Australia. Autism is also becoming more prevalent. New research shows there may be a link. It’s the elevated insulin that may be responsible. Insulin resistance is also known as metabolic syndrome or pre diabetes. It occurs most commonly in women who are overweight (particularly in the torso) and women with polycystic ovarian syndrome. It’s also common in women with a family history of type 2 diabetes. The hormone insulin is secreted by the pancreas and is supposed to get sugar [...]
Men with a large waist risk their health
Men with a large waist risk their health By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Being overweight raises the risk of cancer. A new study has found that waist circumference is a better predictor of risk than Body Mass Index (BMI) for men. Carrying excess fat on the torso is more dangerous than other parts of the body. This is because we have important organs around our abdomen. Fat here is called visceral fat. It produces inflammatory chemicals that increase the risk of cancer and other serious diseases. A recent Swedish study assessed 339,190 individuals with an average age of 51.4 [...]
8 things besides food that can raise blood sugar
8 things besides food that can raise blood sugar By naturopath Margaret Jasinska In recent years many people have taken an interest in measuring their blood sugar level. For a diabetic, measuring blood sugar can be motivating and inspiring. You can see clearly how your body responds to different foods. This way you can figure out the eating plan that gives you best results. Many non diabetics also like to check their blood sugar level in order to achieve better overall health. Fluctuating blood sugar can cause unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, hunger, food cravings and can worsen [...]
Tips for easing mucus congestion in children
Tips for easing mucus congestion in children By naturopath Margaret Jasinska A blocked nose is no fun for a child or their parents. It can interfere with sleep and produce a cranky and irritable child. Blocked sinuses can cause a headache and facial pain. Infections and allergies can cause excess mucus production. The following tips can help relieve discomfort. The enzyme in pineapple called bromelain can break down mucus Bromelain can also help reduce inflammation and protect against allergies. Pineapple can be served on its own as [...]
Your gut may provide clues to Parkinson’s disease
Your gut may provide clues to Parkinson’s disease By naturopath Margaret Jasinska When it comes to Parkinson’s disease, most people think of the brain. Did you know the condition can affect nerves that travel to the intestines? Certain gut symptoms are sometimes the first clue. A recent study has found there are four digestive problems that predict a higher risk of future Parkinson’s disease. These conditions are: Dysphagia (trouble swallowing) Gastroparesis (the stomach takes too long to empty) Constipation IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) without diarrhoea This finding highlights the significant relationship between the gut and the brain. Disturbances [...]
5 Morning Habits to Improve Cognitive Function Throughout the Day
5 Morning Habits to Improve Cognitive Function Throughout the Day By Jessah Shaw, Adv Dip (Nut Med) Cognitive function is not just something to concern yourself with when you’re older. There are habits you can put into practice today that can drastically influence how your brain performs, no matter your biological age. These 6 morning habits are a great way to start your day right and keep your brain sharp throughout the day: 1) Sip some water For your body and brain to function at its best, [...]
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can cause poor mental health
Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth can cause poor mental health By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) is a common gut condition. Recent research shows SIBO can interfere with mental health, raising the risk of anxiety. Improving gut health can lead to a calmer mood. What is SIBO? SIBO is defined as an increased number and/or abnormal types of bacteria in the small intestine. The condition encompasses yeast overgrowth such as Candida too. There is not supposed to be a lot of microbes in your small intestine. This part of your intestine is designed [...]
Poor sleep can cause insulin resistance
Poor sleep can cause insulin resistance By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Insulin resistance is also referred to as pre diabetes. We normally think of the influence of foods on a person’s blood sugar level. It’s important to remember that sleep plays a major role as well. Insulin resistance is rising rapidly in all parts of the world and is a leading risk factor for the development of fatty liver, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and dementia. Risk factors for developing insulin resistance Eating more carbohydrate than your body can tolerate Excess consumption of oxidised seed oils rich [...]
5 Tips to Reduce Migraines
5 tips to reduce migraines By Jessah Shaw, Adv Dip (Nut Med) If you have ever suffered from a migraine, you would know that they are more than just a typical headache. They can cause severe pain, nausea, light sensitivity and even vision disturbances. Migraines affect over 1.1 million people globally, they also appear twice as often in women as men. As you can imagine, this can have a severe impact on overall quality of life. Read on for some tips on easing migraine symptoms: 1) Establish [...]