Coeliacs disease... The yes, the no's and the maybe's

Coeliac Disease

It is estimated that at least 1 in every 60 Australian women and 1 in every 80 men are affected by coeliac disease.  Around 80% of Australians affected remain undiagnosed.

So what is it?
Coeliac disease is when our immune system reacts to a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, oats etc.  It is not fully understood why someone develops coeliac disease however we do know that it is partly genetic in origin. Current research is aimed at establishing what triggers the immune to respond so severely to gluten and whether age or stress is a factor.

 

As diverse as the human race is, so are the symptoms of coeliac disease which can range from:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms e.g. diarrhoea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, cramping, bloating, abdominal pain
  
  
• Fatigue, weakness and lethargy
  
  
• Iron deficiency anaemia and/or other vitamin and mineral deficiencies
  
  
• Failure to thrive or delayed puberty in children
  
  
• Weight loss; although some people may gain weight
  
  
• Bone and joint pains
  
  
• Recurrent mouth ulcers and/or swelling of mouth or tongue
  
  
• Altered mental alertness and irritability
  
  
• Skin rashes such as dermatitis herpetiformis
  
  
• Easy bruising of the skin

People with coeliac disease remain sensitive to gluten throughout their life, so understanding how to manage your nutrition may be a challenge.  However be assured a strict gluten free diet will ease the symptoms and have you feeling more energetic, mentally alert and sleeping better.

 

·          Unprocessed Meat/ Poultry/ Fish

·         Vegetables and salads provide great meal accompaniments

·         Barbecues are great for entertaining with gluten free friends/family. There are many gluten free sausages, rissoles and beef patties available. Salads can easily be made gluten free, along with gluten free salad dressings

·         Roasts are another great idea for a main course and gluten free gravy mixes are readily available. Just ensure that any glazes, coatings or stuffing  are also gluten free

·         Gluten Free dips can easily be found at the Supermarkets or consider using veggie sticks

·         For a treat buy gluten free biscuits

To support your lifestyle and reduce inflammations in your gut we suggest Metagenics InflamX which is a nutritional support especially created to decrease inflammation in the digestive tract.  It contains extracts of ginger, turmeric, rosemary and bioflavonoids and is in a base of easily digested, low reactive, rice protein.

Metagenics InflamX  is on special this month to coincide with our BLOG.  And just to make certain it is the best product for you, we are happy to offer a FREE 5 minute VEGA test.  Bookings are essential. Simply phone to make an appointment.

GUT HEALTH

Most of us have heard of ‘leaky gut syndrome’ ……………..

So what does it actually mean?  

The lining of your intestinal track, where you process food and absorb the essential nutrients you require, has an increase in permeability.  This means large spaces develop between the cells of your gut wall allowing bacteria, toxins and food to leak into the bloodstream creating havoc in your system.

Your intestines are supposed to dispose of the toxins to prevent them accumulating in the body.  So when the spaces appear, your liver is the first organ to be affected as it tries to filter out all these foreign particles that are not supposed to be there. Unfortunately, if your liver is already under stress this debris starts to accumulate in your body creating health issues.

As the build-up occurs your immune system perceives these toxins as invaders and launches outright war.  This is not a healthy situation for two reasons. The first is by waging war on these intruders your immune system needs to leave other important tasks alone including defending the body which is now susceptible to any bacteria, viruses and inflammation; clearly not a good scenario.

The second is that these many undigested food molecules leaking from your gut into the blood stream creates a reaction in your body. Later when you eat that particular food/s your body goes into fight mode because it thinks it is being invaded again.  This is how some food sensitivities and intolerances may arise.

How do I know if I have it?

Each person’s symptoms are different; but if you notice bloating, experience reflux, lower bowel gas, constipation or diarrhoea you probably have a problem.  Another symptom is a poor immune system where you can’t fight off infections like a common colds easily.  Some patients have skin rashes because the body is trying excrete these invaders through the skin which is also a large detoxify organ. Any or all of these symptoms could mean you have a leaky gut or dysbiosis and need help. 

The Good news...

If you are suffering any of the above; assistance is at hand.... our Naturopath’s Deborah Rugari and Jessica Lawson deal with these issues on a daily basis and can successfully assist you to treat this problem returning your digestive tract to normal.  This may mean taking a probiotic or herbs to heal the gut and generally eliminating the offending foods whilst your gut repairs.

A daily ritual....

Healthy eating……. As enjoyable as it is to over indulge during the festive season it is now a perfect time to eliminating sugars, some grains, yeast, alcohol and starchy foods which will dramatically reduce any stress on your digestive system.  This combined with the correct supplementation will reduce the spaces in your bowel and allow for naturally healing to occur.



A helping hand…

Eating a healthier diet and not over indulging will certainly assist.  However you also need a good probiotic to provide the friendly bacteria needed to heal your gut lining and help you absorb all the nutrients from the nutritious food you are now eating.  We have a new probiotic in stock from Cellular Nutrition called Probiotic Defence... now available at The House of Healing.

And just to make certain it is the best probiotic for you, we are happy to offer a FREE 5 minute VEGA test.  Bookings essential.  Simply phone Reception on 8431 9288

The Festive Season is officially upon us and it is easy to get caught up in the holiday parties and feasts that come along with it. While it is unrealistic to think we can avoid all the goodness wrapped up in the Festive season, the beautiful sunshine we are blessed with over summer can make us feel invincible; however the best way to ensure we bring in the New Year feeling like a million dollars is to remember ‘less is more’.

Remaining motivated while on holidays is no easy task and as our lives get busier and busier we try to pack as much family, hobby and social time in as possible. So don’t we deserve to let our hair down and indulge a little? Of course! We all have our favourite foods we like to treat ourselves to during the Festive Season but overeating can attribute to some extra kilos gained once January starts. A great tip to avoid overeating is to use smaller plates; your portion looks bigger so you still feel like you’re giving yourself that little bit extra!

Another great way to avoid eating too much is to steer clear of going to parties hungry! Saving yourself for eating at parties or functions never works well for your body as your blood sugar level will be low. This means you are more likely to eat whatever is available at the party and will keep nibbling despite the fact you may not be hungry anymore. If you ensure you have eaten a good protein snack 2 hours before attending your party or function you should be able to avoid over indulging in too much naughty food.

The key during the festive Season is to focus on fun and activities rather than food and alcohol. It is summer, so if you want to have an extra bit of indulgence here and there compensate by getting outdoors and getting active. A walk along the beach, a swim in the water, some backyard cricket with the family…. any of these activities to get you and your family and friends active is great to burn off excess calories.

The Festive Season is about enjoying your time with family and friends, sharing great food and wine together in celebration. We made it through the year and with all that life can throw at us that is an achievement in itself! Holidays are our time to relax, rejuvenate and reset for the New Year. Reflect on the choices we have made and look to the future with an open heart and good intentions.

Here at The House of Healing we wish all of you joy, peace and happiness! Have a wonderful Festive Season taking the time to do what makes you happy, whatever that may be….And remember we're always here to assist you with your New Year health and happiness goal!

 

Is your body supported by the amount of Minerals in your diet?

These days you don’t have to be a spiritual hippy to be into health. Chances are if you’re reading this blog you are mindful of your health and diet…but have you thought about the essential minerals fuelling your body to produce skin, muscle, and bone every day?

Minerals in our bloodstream carry nutrients and oxygen around our bodies sending nerve signals along brain and body pathways to formulate chemical messengers that shuttle from one organ to another, issuing the instructions that help sustain your amazing life.

RAW MATERIAL

Vitamins and minerals are considered essential nutrients—because acting together, they perform hundreds of roles in the body. They help re-build bones, heal wounds, and boost your immune system. They also convert food into energy, and repair cellular damage. As important as the air we breathe, the food we nourish ourselves with is a necessary element in receiving good vitamins and minerals to support optimal health. Our body cannot manufacture on its own these minerals in sufficient amounts.

Some examples of these benefits:

• Strong bones. A combination of calcium, vitamin D, vitamin K, magnesium, and phosphorus protects your bones against fractures.
• Prevents birth defects. Taking folic acid supplements early in pregnancy helps prevent brain and spinal birth defects in offspring.
• Healthy teeth. The mineral fluoride not only helps bone formation but also keeps dental cavities from starting or worsening.

There are two types of minerals the body needs and stores; Major and trace. Both are as important as each other to maintain optimal health; however we just have a larger supply of the major minerals.

One of the key responsibilities of Major minerals is to maintain the proper balance of water in the body. Sodium, chloride, and potassium blaze a trail in doing this. Three other major minerals—calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium—are vital for healthy bones. Sulfur helps stabilize protein structures, including some of those that make up hair, skin, and nails.

These major minerals travel through the body in a range of ways. Potassium, for example, is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, where it circulates freely and is excreted by the kidneys, much like a water-soluble vitamin. Calcium is more like a fat-soluble vitamin because it requires a carrier for absorption and transport.

Trace minerals work in a different way but are just as important in the tasks they carry out. Iron is crucial for carrying oxygen throughout the body, Fluoride strengthens bones and helps to eliminate tooth decay, Zinc boosts the immune system and helps blood clot and Copper helps form several enzymes, one of which assists with iron metabolism and the creation of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood. Other trace minerals such as molybdenum, selenium and chromium perform equally vital jobs.

At The House of Healing we have several Mineral formulations to support your diet and enhance your body function, this month our Metagenics Mineral Essentials is on special for $28.95 normally $37.30. You can now experience genuine, long lasting health with the assistance of this fantastic product. Book in for a FREE 5 min VEGA Test to ensure this product is 100% tolerated and effective for you, call the clinic on 8431 9288.

Cellulite Problems? Kiss Cellulite Goodbye Forever!

Cellulite Problems?  Kiss Cellulite Goodbye Forever!

Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) is a new revolutionary anti-cellulite and skin tightening process. 

How does AWT work on Connective Tissue?

AWT mechanically vibrates connective tissue in affected areas of the body, improving skins appearance of the body:-

 *  Causing the connective tissue to stretch which increases its elasticity
*  Producing increased vascularisation (the organic process whereby body tissue develops capillaries), ensuring better exchanges to the connective tissue
*  Producing an inflammatory reaction that triggers the release of healing mediators, creating fibroblastic proliferation leading to a new, thickened band of collagen being deposited in the upper and mid portions of the skin.

The History Behind Acoustic Wave Therapy…

The company was established in 1987 and quickly became technology leaders in Shock Wave Treatment.  Shock waves are audible high-energy sound waves.  They occur in the atmosphere, for example during lightening strikes, or when aircraft break through the sound barrier. 

Shockwaves are used in hospitals all over the world.  For the breaking down of kidney stones and gallstones.  They are also used for pain therapy by activating the bodys self healing power enabling damaged tissue to gradually regenerate and eventually heal.

It is during these treatments clients have noticed an improvement in their skins smoothness, reduced appearance of stretch marks and a reduction in circumference measurements that had lead to the introduction of AWT into the cosmetic field.

World renowned Storz Medical have recently modified this ultra modern technology as the treatment now only needs to effect the depth of the skin resulting in a gentler but still effective treatment for cellulite that has been named Acoustic Wave Therapy and for the first time in their lives women can experience life changing results with this revolutionary process.

Understanding the True Cause of Cellulite…

Recent studies have revealed two major causes of cellulite.  The first is a hardening of the connective tissue support system in fat.  These are referred to as connective tissue (Fibrous septae), which are made of collagen.  Over time, these septae harden and contract.  The contraction results in most of the dimpled appearance that characterises cellulite.  Additionally the contraction leads to a blockage of the blood vessels and Lymphatic System.  The blood vessels blockage further hardens the septae.  The lymphatic blockage leads to thick swollen appearing skin. 

As cellulite is a two-fold problem it has been difficult to uncover a treatment that targets both the causes of cellulite, the hardened connective tissue and the protrusion of fat cells. 

The second major cause of cellulite is protrusion of fat cells into the lower part of the skin is known as the ‘reticular dermis’.  This protrusion results in the worsening of the dimpling.

Treatments for cellulite need to address both these issues in order to have really good results.

How does AWT have an effect on the Connective Tissue and Fat Protrusion?

AWT uses pressure waves that impact both the major causes of cellulite; 1) Hardening of the Fibrous Septae (connective tissue) and 2) Protrusion of fat into the lower dermis.

AWT produces a pressure wave that passes through skin and fat to impact the fibrous septae.  The pressure breaks up the collagen of the septae and releases the skin, allowing a smoother surface.  The pressure wave also disrupts the fat cells causing leakage which can be carried away by the blood stream.  AWT also helps to thicken the dermis, the layer of skin which strengthens and restricts fat protrusion. 

Patient Treatment and Results…

Typically patients are treated twice per week for three weeks, with additional sessions generally requiring less than half an hour treatment.  Additional treatments may be necessary in a small subset of patients.  Patients may wish to have a maintenance session once every five months after completing the program. 

Initial Clinical Study results show that AWT patients typically experience:-
*  Improvement in skin texture
*  Improvement in skin elasticity
*  Firming of the skin dermis
*  Circumference reduction

If you are tired of empty promises from creams, pills and exercise AWT may give you results that exceed your expectations.  AWT will get you real results in real time.  This modern highly effective treatment method for smoother and firmer skin is rapid, non invasive and pain free. Available in our Clinic now, so come and experience AWT at The House of Healing for rewarding results.

Do you suffer from Sinus Congestion and Hay fever?

Do you suffer from Sinus Congestion and Hay fever?

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 atopic eczema. If you have allergies it is important not to only be 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 chemicals in personal products and cleaning products.

If you suffer from any of these symptoms ask us for help to managing your allergies today!

Herbs and Nutrients to Manage Allergies Naturally

Allergies are caused by an immune imbalance. Pharmaceutical medications may help to reduce symptoms but do not address the underlying cause. The following herbs and nutrients may help to manage symptoms of allergies naturally, as well as rebalancing your immune function:

·         Perilla (Perilla frutescens) – a herb that is beneficial in the treatment of hayfever, asthma and sinusitis. It can be used to reduce the symptoms of allergic reactions, particularly of the upper respiratory tract.

·         Atractylodes (Atractylodes Iancea) – a herb that is beneficial for hayfever, nasal congestion, asthma, and dermatitis. It also helps the immune system to fight colds and respiratory infections.

·         Albizia (Albizia lebbeck) – the anti-allergy properties of the herb albizia are  helpful for hayfever, asthma, sinus congestion and allergic skin conditions such as eczema and hives. It also helps to strengthen the lungs and clear mucous.

·         Quercetin – is a bioflavanoid vitamin that is used for acute or chronic allergies such as hayfever, hives, and asthma. It is also a great antioxidant.

·         Probiotics – there are many different strains of probiotics; the most useful for allergies is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG). This strain has been found to be effective in reducing allergies including eczema.

·         Zinc – plays a very important role in regulating the immune system and is a commonly found deficiency in the Australian population. Optimal zinc levels are crucial in any allergy treatment.

·         Vitamin C – boosts the immune system, improves lung function and decreases allergy symptoms.

·         Essential Oils – antimicrobial essential oils such as eucalyptus, peppermint, lavender and thyme used in a sinus spray can provide relief from nasal and sinus congestion that occurs with hay fever and upper respiratory tract infections.

Make an appointment with us today and find out what treatment is best for you.

What Are You Putting Into Your Body?

Common food allergies include gluten, wheat, dairy, soy, eggs, and corn. If you find your allergies flare up after eating any of these foods or your diet contains a lot of these foods, you may benefit from a Vega Food Sensitivities Test.

These days a lot of our food contains high levels of preservatives, additives, and pesticides which can all impact on our immune systems and contribute to allergies and poor health. Think about introducing organic foods to your diet. Organic foods not only taste better, they contain higher levels of nutrients which can be beneficial to overall health.

How to Manage your Allergy Symptoms:

To help balance your immune system and help you manage your allergy symptoms, follow these simple recommendations:

·         Consider a natural supplement for allergy relief

·         Avoid any foods that are known allergens

·         Increase fruit and vegetable intake, particularly those bright in colours, such as berries and capsicum, as they contain high levels of antioxidants and nutrients

·         Avoid processed and refined foods that may contain preservatives and additives

·         Drink at lease 2 litres of filtered water per day to keep the body hydrated.

Metagenics Wellness Review

Copper Toxicity

Copper Toxicity

Anyone who suffers from headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, skin rashes, learning disorders or premenstrual syndrome may have a copper imbalance. 

Copper is an essential trace element that is vital to the proper functioning of organs and metabolic processes.  The human body has complex homeostatic mechanisms which attempt to ensure a constant supply of available copper while eliminating excess copper when it occurs.  Too much or too little ingestion of copper can result in a corresponding condition of excess or deficiency in the body which has its own unique set of adverse health effects.  Copper Toxicity is a condition in which copper is retained and begins to build up in the body tissues.  This condition is quite common however it is also commonly undiagnosed.  Excess copper in the tissues can develop for a variety of reasons, some of us being more prone to a buildup then others. 

High Risk Factors...

♦   A slower metabolism may contribute to copper accumulation
♦   Women are found to be more prone to copper accumulation due to the female hormone    
    oestrogen increasing copper retention
♦   Excessive stress or insufficient adrenal function.  This can occur due to stress

   dramatically decreasing zinc levels, coppers primary antagonist.  Weak adrenals may   

   result in a lack of hormones that stimulate the liver to remove excess copper.
♦   Exposure to environmental copper on a regular basis
♦   The use of oestrogen medications such as the birth control pill
♦   Vegetarian Diet or a Zinc Deficient diet
♦   Dental Fillings

The circulation and proper utilisation of copper in the body requires good functioning of the liver, gallbladder and adrenal glands.  Impaired function of these organs result in excess copper as your body fails to utilise or excrete copper.  Initially copper can build up in the liver, further impairing its ability to excrete copper.  An increase in copper retention affects the nervous system, female and male reproductive systems and connective tissues including the joints, hair, skin and nails. 

What you should know about the Metabolism of Copper...

♦   Absorption
Thirty to sixty percent of ingested copper is absorbed through the intestinal tract. Certain minerals and heavy toxic metals compete for absorption with copper, including calcium, iron, zinc, cadmium and mercury.  Zinc is a primary copper antagonist.  Vitamin C inhibits copper absorption. Sulphur and molybdenum may also inhibit absorption of copper.  Absorption of copper is increased by the presence of amino acids. A diet lacking protein intake or impaired protein digestion can inhibits copper absorption. Absorption is also hindered by an alkaline intestinal pH.

♦   Retention
Normally copper is bound in the blood to ceruloplasmin (95 percent) and albumin.  Organs with a high copper content include the liver, brain, heart and kidneys. However, excess copper can accumulate in almost every organ of the body.

♦   Excretion
Copper is excreted mainly through the bile. Vitamin C binds or chelates copper and facilitates its removal. Zinc and manganese displace copper from the liver. Molybdenum and sulphur bind to copper and greatly facilitate its excretion.

If you suffer with headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, skin rashes, learning disorders or premenstrual syndrome you may have a copper imbalance. 

If you think you have these symptoms you may want to consider the following sources of copper...

♦   Copper Water Pipes
Copper plumbing was hailed as a great advance in the past. Especially in areas with acidic water, copper can be leached from pipes, leaving in severe cases, a greenish ring on bathroom fixtures.  Water that sits in copper pipes can contain dangerously high levels of copper.

♦   Copper Cookware
Copper tea kettles and other copper cookware can be a source of copper toxicity if used frequently over a period of time.

♦   Birth Control Pills and Copper Intrauterine Devices

One of the side effects of the pill is that it tends to raise copper levels in the body. This is due to the close association between the hormone oestrogen and copper levels.  Several hundred milligrams of copper a year can easily be absorbed from a copper IUD. Many women still use the Copper - 7 intrauterine birth control device, although it has been taken off the market. The only intra-uterine birth control device sold today, however, is a copper-T. These devices can be very harmful for women prone to high copper levels.

♦   Vegetarian Diets and Other High Copper Diets

Many diets today are high in copper. In particular, vegetarian proteins such as soybeans, nuts, seeds, tofu, avocados and grains are high in copper content. Soybean protein is coming into wider usage but can contribute to copper overload.  Other high-copper foods are organ meats, shellfish, wheat germ and bran, yeast, corn oil, margarine and mushrooms. 

♦   Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

Copper is frequently added to vitamin supplements, particularly prenatal vitamins. Although this is a benefit for some people, it can be harmful for many other women.

♦   Fungicides for Swimming Pools and Foods

Copper sulphate is added to swimming pools and may be sprayed on fruits and vegetables to retard growth of algae and fungus.

♦   Dental Appliances
Copper is still used today in some dental alloys, in fillings, crowns and other appliances.

If you suffer any of these symptoms or are at high risk of copper toxicity or even believe you may be exposed to other heavy metals then it is worthwhile considering a full Heavy Metal Vega Test.  New to Clinic are a number of Focus Vega Tests.  A 15 minute Focus Vega Test followed by a 15 minute Naturopathic consultation to discuss your results could be of benefit to you.

Eir - Liver Formula - normally $35.90 - $28.70

Eir Liver Formula is an excellent detoxifier and rejuvenator for the liver.  It contains a powerful combination of herbs that cleanse the liver of accumulated toxins whilst it nourishes and strengthen the liver tissues thereby supporting the healthy production of bile to promote digestion and a healthy metabolism.

A FREE 5 minute Vega Test is available to ensure this product is 100% tolerated, effective and the exact dose your body requires.