Lifestyle Archives - Page 2 of 2

A Calmer Christmas

December 4, 2023

The lead-up to Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity, shopping, planning, and celebrations. While it’s an exciting time for kids, being the parent who is often reminded of the countdown and just how few days they have left to get through the never-ending list, can be overwhelming and stressful. Finding ways to stay calm and maintain a balanced lifestyle is crucial to enjoy both the traditions of this special time of year and your family. Here are some tips for remaining calm and healthy as you navigate the bustling days before Christmas. Prioritise Self-Care In the midst of shopping for gifts, decorating, and preparing meals, it's easy to neglect self-care. However, taking time for yourself is essential for mental and physical health. Incorporate short breaks into...

Awake – wrestling with the restlessness

August 1, 2023

Lifestyle

Insomnia includes trouble initiating sleep, maintaining sleep or early waking. It could be debilitating, or maybe it just affects your ability to function. According to the Sleep Health Foundation, whilst only 15% of Australia adults the symptoms of clinical insomnia, over half of us suffer from sleep symptoms which affects quality of life. Primary insomnia is caused by a range of issues such as HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis hyperarousal usually as a result of chronic stress; circadian rhythm abnormalities; GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) dysregulation; and other excitatory pathways. Secondary insomnia is as a result of medical conditions, medications, and dugs (including alcohol, coffee and nicotine). If you’re too switched on when you hit the pillow, try the following before going to bed: Don’t drink caffeinated drinks after midday Talk to...

The importance of staying regular

May 1, 2023

Digestion, Lifestyle, Nutrition

Whilst bowel movements may not be the most lovely topic, they can tell you a lot about your health. As a naturopath, the digestive system is very important. After all, it is where both the nutrients from food is absorbed and where the majority of waste products and toxins are eliminated. Your stool and how often you pass one gives a good indication of the state of your lower digestive tract (colon). The problem with constipation If the body’s waste products and toxins are not eliminated efficiently and are left sitting in the colon, they can be reabsorbed into the body. This can cause a feeling of bloating or fullness and contribute to a number of health issues. These substances include both toxins that have been taken into...

An easier transition into menopause

March 1, 2023

Herbal Medicine, Lifestyle, Women's health

Traditionally in many cultures menopause was celebrated as freedom from childbearing and a sign of wisdom. Sadly in our culture many women struggle with the loss of youth, it can be good to be reminded to enjoy this stage of life and look for some positives. The average age for menopause is 51, and by definition is 12 months with no period. Perimenopause is the transition stage and usually occurs from age 45 to 55. Changes occur due to changes to main female hormones: oestrogen and progesterone. Oestrogen is the ‘strong’ hormone, it has a role in strengthening bones with calcium, and during perimenopause the levels fluctuate. Progesterone is the ‘calming’ hormone, it relaxes the nervous system, and in perimenopause the levels drop. During the reproductive...

Easy DIY remedies this summer

December 5, 2022

Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Lifestyle

Sunburn, scrapes, bites and stings often go hand in hand with enjoying being out in nature over the summer break. Below are some natural remedies that are supported by research, that you can prepare yourself this summer. Calendula is part of the marigold family of flowers, and the flowering head can be used medicinally both internally and externally. Externally, both current research and traditional use, show it to aid in wound healing for ulcers, burns (including sunburn), incisions, and insect bites, reducing inflammation and healing time. The best way to prepare calendula is to soak the flower heads in an oil - nut oils are best as they are high in vitamin E which also improves skin healing. After a couple of months, strain the oil...

Why can’t I lose weight?

October 3, 2022

Lifestyle, Metabolic health, Nutrition, Weight loss

Did you know that it was discovered around 12 years ago, that you can’t get fat from eating fats, there just isn’t a metabolic pathway! They came up with this idea because fats give you more energy per weight than carbohydrates and protein. But what this actually means is that fats can fuel your body longer, than what carbohydrates can. Good fat sources include avocado, butter, coconut oil, olive oil, oily fish, nuts, and seeds. Protein is required for growth and repair of all cells, and should be included in every meal. It’s found in meat, eggs, dairy, soy, legumes, nuts and seeds. Good sources of carbohydrates (carbs) are fruit, vegetables, and wholegrains. Carbs are particularly important for kids and teens as they grow and for adults that are...

Is stress is impacting your immune system?

April 22, 2022

Herbal Medicine, Immune, Lifestyle

The last two years have certainly been a challenge for most of us. Whilst some people have enjoyed more time to themselves and cutting out the commute time for work during lockdowns, others have found themselves juggling work with home-schooling, lonely without social interaction, or afraid of the effects of the virus. What does stress do? The autonomic nervous system controls digestion, heart rate, and blood pressure, and stress plays a major role in how these functions work. It consists of two opposing modes of operation: the sympathetic and the parasympathetic nervous systems. You have likely heard of the sympathetic nervous system, the “flight or fight” response, where cortisol production is increased in the adrenal glands. For a short-term situation, this is helpful as it gives you the...

Lifestyle

A Calmer Christmas

Awake – wrestling with the restlessness

The importance of staying regular

An easier transition into menopause

Easy DIY remedies this summer

Why can’t I lose weight?

Is stress is impacting your immune system?

Trouble getting your iron levels within range?

Springtime allergies

Vitamin D for a strong immune system

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