HEALTH HUB Latest Articles
Balancing your hormones
Balancing your hormones By Dr Sandra Cabot When your hormones are out of balance you can have a wide range of symptoms and it can be hard to work out what is going on. To pinpoint the problem, you can have blood tests to measure the levels of the hormones FSH, TSH, Oestradiol, Progesterone, Testosterone (free and total) and DHEA-S. These blood tests are very accurate. When a woman's FSH blood level is consistently elevated to 30 mIU/mL or higher, and she has not had a menstrual period for a year, it is generally accepted that she has reached [...]
What causes gynecomastia (breast growth in men)?
What causes gynecomastia (breast growth in men)? By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Gynecomastia means overdevelopment or enlargement of breast tissue in men or boys. The breasts become larger and often grow unevenly. The condition is often caused by changes in levels of the female hormone oestrogen and the male hormone testosterone, but there can be other causes as well. Gynecomastia is fairly common, especially in older men who are overweight. Although not harmful, breast development in men can signify underlying hormonal and metabolic problems which could be harmful. What causes male breast development? As men age, their testosterone level [...]
Fatty liver can weaken your immune system
Fatty liver can weaken your immune system By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Are you aware of the risks of having a fatty liver? It’s an incredibly common condition but few people are fully aware of the repercussions. Did you know fatty liver adversely affects your immune system? Your liver actually contains immune cells. If your liver is not healthy and not functioning well, you are at higher risk of immune system problems like infections and autoimmune conditions. A healthy liver enables your entire immune system to work more efficiently. Your liver carries out more functions in your body than [...]
These foods help prevent kidney stones
These foods help prevent kidney stones By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Kidney stones are very common; up to one in ten people will experience them. Passing a kidney stone is one of life’s most painful experiences. Anyone who has had a kidney stone will want to do anything in their power to prevent getting more. Kidney stones are more common in men than women, and the tendency to develop them does run in families. The most common type, around 65 percent, are made up of calcium and oxalate. Other stones consist of uric acid (as in sufferers of gout), [...]
What to do if you’ve had your gallbladder removed
What to do if you’ve had your gallbladder removed By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Gallbladder removal is one of the most common surgeries. A lot of people end up quite confused about what they should be eating and which supplements they can be taking. You might be left with new and unpleasant symptoms after surgery. Your doctor may have told you it’s fine to eat and drink whatever you like, and you’ll be fine. The fact is many people feel far from fine after getting their gallbladder removed. It is common to experience all sorts of digestive problems, and [...]
Look and Feel Better Naturally
Look and Feel Better Naturally By Jesse Clark We aren’t really sure why herbal and natural healthcare is considered alternative medicine. After all, Mother Nature is the best healthcare provider out there. But we’ve been conditioned to believe that medications are the best way to “get better.” In reality, though, medicine often tends to mask symptoms. Instead, it’s important to treat the underlying cause and to focus on the whole self before resorting to drastic measures. What Conditions Can Natural Medicine Treat? A naturopathic physician can treat many health conditions. These include digestive disorders, allergies, arthritis, depression, and [...]
Everything you need to know about haemorrhoids
Everything you need to know about haemorrhoids By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Haemorrhoids are a common problem. The information in this article will give you some strategies to help manage haemorrhoids and reduce the risk of their occurrence. What exactly are haemorrhoids? They are dilated swollen veins that occur in the lower rectum and anus area. They can be considered as varicose veins in the lower bowel. Blood clots may form inside the haemorrhoids, which can make them hard, painful and swollen. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort or pressure to extreme pain in the back passage and anus, [...]
5 foods to optimise muscle recovery
5 foods to optimise muscle recovery By Jessah Shaw, Adv Dip (Nut Med) Whether you’re new to your exercise routine or an experienced lifter, it’s essential to refuel properly for optimal muscle recovery. When you do strength training your body creates micro tears in your muscles which enables them to repair and come back stronger. These 5 foods contain important nutrients to support muscle repair and reduce muscle soreness: Spinach Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K1, iron, calcium, potassium, and magnesium. Not only has it been [...]
Whey protein helps build muscle and improves satiety
Whey protein helps build muscle and improves satiety By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Whey protein may make it easier to achieve your health and fitness goals. Adding a whey based meal replacement to your diet can help you lose weight and tone up. Whey protein powder is made from the protein fragment that separates from milk during cheese production. It is a complete protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids that are the building blocks for production of protein in your body. Your muscles are made of protein, but protein is also required for the production [...]
Some cholesterol lowering drugs raise the risk of diabetes
Some cholesterol lowering drugs raise the risk of diabetes By naturopath Margaret Jasinska Statins are some of the most commonly prescribed medications in the world. A high percentage of people over the age of 60 is either taking one or it has been recommended by their doctor. These drugs can have undesirable side effects; a heightened risk of type 2 diabetes is just one of them. Fortunately there are safer ways to lower cholesterol that won’t put you at risk of other serious diseases like diabetes. Statins work by inhibiting the action of the enzyme inside the liver [...]