Metabolic health Archives - Whole Naturopathy

PCOS – Not as simple as you may have thought

May 1, 2024

Overview of the disease Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex endocrine disorder caused by androgen excess. Androgens are male hormones which can be characterised by significant facial hair and seen in hormonal blood tests. Because the disease can present very differently amongst women, there can be a lot of confusion about what the best treatment to bring these high androgen levels back within their normal range. The disease is characterised by hormonal imbalance, irregular menstruation (often months without a cycle), and sometimes the presence of small cysts on the ovaries. According to Dr. Lara Briden, there are four types of PCOS: insulin-resistant PCOS, inflammatory PCOS, post-pill PCOS, and adrenal PCOS. Insulin resistant PCOS Insulin resistance, leading to hyperinsulinemia can cause the increase in androgen production by the...

Nutritional support for alcoholic fatty liver disease

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

March 3, 2024

Lifestyle, Metabolic health, Nutrition, Weight loss

Historically, Fatty Liver Disease (FLD) was associated with excessive alcohol consumption, but now has evolved into two distinct categories: Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). Next month, I’ll delve into NAFLD, but for now, here’s the breakdown of ALFD. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) AFLD was first seen in prolonged alcohol abuse, where the liver struggles to metabolise the excessive intake of alcohol. This led to the accumulation of fat, impairing liver function and paving the way for inflammation. This is diagnosed with a blood test, but usually if you have FLD, you will find that you don’t metabolise alcohol well and will take a longer time to recover after drinking than your friends, or than you used to. You may also...

Beat the Sugar Cravings

February 4, 2024

Lifestyle, Metabolic health, Weight loss

Maybe it’s too many parties over Christmas and New Year, or maybe you’ve been struggling with this for a while. One thing for sure is that sugar is addictive, and it can be really hard to say no. Sugar addiction Have you ever noticed the difference between your cravings for sugar compared to naturally sweet products? The sugar craving seems to be unsatiable, whilst with honey or dried fruit, you get to a point where you just don’t enjoy it anymore and so you stop eating it. This is because sugar has been stripped of the vitamins and minerals found in natural sugar cane which means you not only miss out on those nutrients, but you also miss out on the natural mechanism that helps you to...

Cholesterol – friend or foe?

November 1, 2023

Metabolic health, Nutrition

Cholesterol plays a vital role in our bodies, serving as an essential part of our cell membranes and helping to regulate various bodily functions. It acts like a building material, providing structural integrity to cell walls and allowing them to function properly. Additionally, cholesterol is essential for the production of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin D, which control various bodily processes, including growth and reproduction. So, without cholesterol, our cells would not be able to maintain their integrity, and we wouldn't have the necessary hormones to keep our bodies functioning correctly. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) are two types of cholesterol carriers in your bloodstream, each with distinct roles, and are seen as the following. HDL cholesterol is often called...

Don’t just lose weight for the summer, lose it for life!

October 4, 2023

Health, Metabolic health, Motivation, Nutrition, Weight loss

So often the quick fix, magic bullet answers also have a quick undo, or just can’t be sustained long term. In terms of health, a slow steady change that lasts is much better than a quick fix that doesn’t. So often people go on very restrictive or low-calorie diets and whilst the number on the scales may look great for a little while, it’s not something that works long-term. One of the first changes that can make a big difference, not only to weight loss, but also to all areas of health, is to increase your protein intake. Protein is required for repair of all cells in your body, and low protein meals can leave you feeling hungry afterwards. Try to have some protein with every...

Does your liver need a detox?

January 31, 2023

Health, Herbal Medicine, Liver, Metabolic health

Whilst it’s commonly known that excessive drinking causes liver damage, there are many other toxins that are processed through the liver. The human body is exposed to toxins daily from the air we breathe, the water we drink, plastics, chemical cleaning products, cosmetics, medications, recreational drugs, cigarette smoke, and the list goes on. At some point, the liver becomes overloaded, and the detoxification process is impaired. Signs of poor liver detoxification Liver damage Gallbladder disease Fatty liver and high cholesterol Migraines High blood sugar Allergies Poor digestion Nausea Sugar cravings Menstrual irregularities Eczema/dermatitis Stress Fatigue The detoxification process The liver detoxifies though three phases and is the most important organ in metabolism. The first phase is a process of chemical breakdown of the toxins; the second phase prevents...

Wired and Tired – from stress to exhaustion

November 8, 2022

Adaptogens, Health, Herbal Medicine, Metabolic health

Trying to achieve more than most people? Or maybe you’ve been doing that and have hit a wall? Welcome to the world of adrenal exhaustion, or technically, the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, adrenal insufficiency, or hypercortisolism. It all starts with stress According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2020-2021, 15% of Australians experienced high levels of psychological distress, and this was higher in women, and younger Australians (16-34 years). This is likely to be higher in Melbourne where the pandemic stress combined with lockdowns meant long periods of reduced social activities and parents trying to juggle work with home-schooling. Our central nervous system has two modes: sympathetic nervous system (SNS) dominance, known as ‘fight or flight’, and parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS) dominance, ‘rest and digest’. During life we...

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...

Metabolic health

PCOS – Not as simple as you may have thought

What is Fatty Liver Disease?

Beat the Sugar Cravings

Cholesterol – friend or foe?

Don’t just lose weight for the summer, lose it for life!

Does your liver need a detox?

Wired and Tired – from stress to exhaustion

Why can’t I lose weight?

Trouble getting your iron levels within range?

Springtime allergies

Vitamin D for a strong immune system

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